1. FC Köln head into the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach without either of their regular centre-forwards. Ragnar Ache is expected to miss three to four weeks with a muscle injury, while Thijs Dallinga faces a far longer lay-off after tearing his cruciate ligament.
Cologne lose both first-choice strikers
Dallinga, on loan from Bologna, could be out for the rest of the campaign. The Dutchman described the injury as a “nightmare” on Instagram.
Coach René Wagner has used either Ache or Dallinga from the start in the central striker role throughout the season. His usual attacking structure places two wide players around a No. 10 behind one forward. There is no established third senior option ready to step in.
- Ache: muscle problem, estimated absence of three to four weeks.
- Dallinga: cruciate ligament tear, with a possible season-ending absence.
- Next task: the Rhineland meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Bülter has the strongest case
Marius Bülter is the leading internal candidate to fill the vacancy. The 33-year-old scored Cologne’s second goal in the 2-2 friendly against Viktoria Köln and offers Wagner experience across several attacking positions.
At 1.90 metres, Bülter also brings a physical presence and aerial ability that Cologne could need. The side have had recurring problems defending set pieces, making height and work rate useful qualities for the central role.
Other options carry different strengths
- Imad Rondic is 1.89 metres tall and has finishing ability, but has largely been outside Wagner’s plans. The Bosnian has made only one matchday squad after regularly being among four senior players omitted, and may be limited to short appearances of 10 to 15 minutes.
- Luca Waldschmidt has experience through the middle. At 1.81 metres, he offers less of an aerial outlet than Bülter but can threaten from distance and link play as a creator.
- Jan Thielmann, 1.77 metres tall, can also operate centrally. His main value is in transition and counter-attacking situations.
- Said El Mala could support Bülter in a more central position. The 20-year-old has generally played on the left, although Wagner used him closer to the middle late last season.
Wagner has several ways to reshape the forward line, but Bülter is the clearest fit as an anchor striker for the Gladbach match.
