Shinta Appelkamp, the 23-year-old midfielder, might be back in action for Fortuna Düsseldorf's clash against Nuremberg on Saturday (1pm, Sky). After recovering from an injury sustained in late October, Appelkamp made his comeback off the bench against Schalke, but Marcel Sobottka's muscle injury could mean an opportunity for the talented player needs to be seized.
But where exactly should Appelkamp slot in? Seems like Daniel Thioune, Fortuna Düsseldorf's coach, is considering various options. With Christos Tzolis and Felix Klaus working on their muscular issues, it's unclear if they'll make the starting eleven. Thioune obviously wants to avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially since there's another crucial game approaching next week - a cup match in Magdeburg that could earn them €1.7 million and bolster Klaus Allofs' transfer budget.
The pressing question is, will Appelkamp be used on the wings or in midfield? Thioune hinted at the possibility of the former due to a lack of width in their position. That being said, Jona Niemiec and Dennis Jastrzembski, who impressed against Schalke when Fortuna led, could be looking at a spot on the bench.
Appelkamp, however, has shared his own preference for a midfield role. If Fortuna manages to avoid needing an improvisational solution on the wing, the 'young guns' - Engelhardt and Johannesson, who put on a show against Elversberg in a 5-0 victory - could potentially return to the pitch. But the lack of impressive showings as a starting eleven player and Appelkamp's poor set-piece performance could hinder his chances of securing a spot in midfield.
Trivia: Thioune recently revealed that Appelkamp spoke to him the morning before the Schalke game, expressing his frustration over missing out due to his injury. This could mean that Appelkamp is keen on making up for lost time and delivering a strong performance in Nuremberg.
Sources: 1. 2. 4.
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