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Holstein Kiel Injury Woes Continue Ahead of Bayer Leverkusen Clash

Holstein Kiel, Bundesliga, injuries, Finn Porath, David Nekic, Patrick Erras, Steven Skrzybski, Alexander Bernhardsson, Benedikt Pichler, Thomas Dähne, Timon Weiner, artificial turf, pitch conditions, Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen

Holstein Kiel Struggles with Injuries Ahead of Crucial Bayer Leverkusen Clash

Holstein Kiel, languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, faces mounting injury concerns ahead of their pivotal match against league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Depleted Squad for Rapp

Coach Marcel Rapp expressed his concerns over the "somewhat thinned out" squad, with key players Finn Porath and winter signing David Nekic facing potential absences due to muscular issues. A final decision will be made after the team’s final training session.

In addition to long-term injuries to Patrick Erras, Holstein Kiel also continues to miss attacking players Steven Skrzybski, Alexander Bernhardsson, and Benedikt Pichler. Rapp also declined to commit to a starting goalkeeper after Thomas Dähne filled in for the ill first-choice Timon Weiner in the 3-1 defeat at Frankfurt last weekend.

Training Ground Conditions a Factor?

Holstein Kiel has been alternating between natural and artificial turf due to poor pitch conditions. Rapp acknowledged the potential impact on player fitness, but cautioned against making direct links: "We have to accept some setbacks if we train on both surfaces," he said, adding, "But we also don’t know if we would avoid injuries if we only trained on one pitch."

Pitch Conditions a Potential Advantage?

Despite the poor condition of the pitch at Holstein Kiel’s stadium, Rapp suggested it could provide an unlikely advantage against Leverkusen’s star-studded lineup led by Florian Wirtz. "Perhaps the pitch conditions could be a small advantage," he said, explaining that it would primarily disadvantage "the team that will have more possession."

Leverkusen’s Formidable Foes

Bayer Leverkusen, fresh from a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim, poses a formidable challenge for Holstein Kiel. Wirtz, in particular, has been in scintillating form, scoring five goals and providing six assists in his last eight Bundesliga appearances.

Kai Havertz, Moussa Diaby, and Jeremie Frimpong have also been influential for Leverkusen this season, making them one of the most potent attacking forces in the league.

Kiel’s Fighting Spirit

Despite their injury woes and the daunting task ahead, Holstein Kiel remain determined to put up a fight. "We know that we have to be at our best to get something out of this game," Rapp said.

"We will give everything and try to make the pitch conditions work to our advantage. We need to show Bayer Leverkusen that we are not afraid and that we will fight for every point."

Key Battlegrounds

The battle between Kiel’s defense, led by Timo Becker and Simon Lorenz, and Leverkusen’s formidable attack will be crucial. Kiel must find a way to contain Wirtz and his teammates while also posing their own threat going forward.

The midfield battle will also be key, with Kiel likely to rely on the experience of Lewis Holtby and the energy of Noah Awuku to win the ball and create chances for the likes of Janni Serra and Fabian Reese.

Underdogs with a Point to Prove

Holstein Kiel may be heavy underdogs against the Bundesliga leaders, but they will be motivated by the need to end their four-game losing streak and improve their precarious league position.

A victory would not only boost their morale but also keep alive their hopes of avoiding relegation. Defeat, on the other hand, would further dent their survival chances and leave them facing an uphill battle to maintain their Bundesliga status.

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