Borussia Mönchengladbach will be without Franck Honorat for the time being after the French winger suffered a muscle injury. His absence in Saturday’s friendly at FC St. Pauli adds to a difficult spell for the Bundesliga’s bottom club ahead of the derby at 1. FC Köln.
Key takeaways
- Honorat missed the St. Pauli friendly with a muscle problem and is expected to be unavailable for Alexander Blessin’s first competitive match.
- Summer signing Zento Uno stopped training on Wednesday because of a thigh issue, but Gladbach describe his omission as precautionary.
- Nicolas Kühn remains sidelined by a muscle fibre tear, reducing the options on the right side of attack.
- Shuto Machino moved into Honorat’s role after scoring twice in the 3-0 win in Siegen.
- Hugo Bolin is away with Sweden after a late call-up and could return as another option for the Köln match.
Right-side decisions for Blessin
Honorat had started the first pre-season match under Blessin, playing 75 minutes in the 3-0 victory at Siegen. He set up Robin Hack for the first goal of the new coach’s tenure, operating from the right.
At the Millerntor, Machino took his place in the attacking unit. The Japanese forward had struck twice against Siegen and began on the right behind striker Tim Kleindienst against St. Pauli.
Kühn, the natural alternative in that wide role, is still recovering from his muscle fibre injury. Honorat’s setback therefore leaves Gladbach short of established right-wing options for the Cologne derby.
Uno and Bolin offer some encouragement
Uno had ended Wednesday’s session early after feeling discomfort in his thigh. Unlike Honorat, however, his absence from the St. Pauli squad was treated as a precaution. A quick return to training remains possible, which could keep him in contention for the derby.
Bolin may also enter the equation once his international duty is complete. The right-footed Swede, one of Gladbach’s brighter performers this season, was added to Sweden’s squad during the week. He stayed on the bench throughout Friday’s 1-1 draw in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sweden play away to Romania on Monday before Bolin returns to Mönchengladbach.
