Concerns over Achilles' tendon injury loom for Pekeler in Kiel
THW Kiel's Hendrik Pekeler sidelined with a nasty Achilles injury
Hendrik Pekeler, the rock-solid center back for THW Kiel in the Handball Bundesliga, is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after suffering a brutal Achilles tendon injury in the team's final match against ThSV Eisenach. The 33-year-old's season is essentially over, and if the wound is as severe as feared, he might not return to action for a few months.
The club is anxiously awaiting the results of Pekeler's upcoming MRI scan to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Preliminary reports indicate the possibility of a severed Achilles tendon in his left foot, a setback that could potentially take several months to recover from.
Fortunately for THW Kiel, Norwegian center back Petter Øverby and soon-to-be Croatian national player Veron Nacinovic, who will join from French top club Montpellier HB next season, are on hand to fill the void left by Pekeler's absence.
The record champions had already secured the services of Øverby, who will shore up the center back position. Adding Nacinovic to the mix should provide THW Kiel with a formidable defensive duo to carry the team through Pekeler's recovery period.
As for Pekeler, he signed a contract extension with the club last December that keeps him with THW until June 30, 2027, but his more immediate future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, his position colleague Patrick Wiencek, 36, is set to depart the team this month, as his contract will expire. Wiencek will be joining the club management, according to THW officials.
All eyes will now be on the MRI scan results to determine the extent of Pekeler's injury and the expected recovery timeline. Fans and team members alike remain hopeful for a speedy recovery for the veteran pivot, and everyone will be rooting for his successful return to the court.
Sources:
[1] dpa-infocom, dpa:250609-930-646730/1
[2] Unofficial reports and rumors about Hendrik Pekeler's injury and recovery progress can be found on various handball blogs and forums, but official confirmation has yet to be provided by THW Kiel.
With Hendrik Pekeler's Achilles injury, the focus shifts to the sports world, as the veteran pivot faces a potential few months on the sidelines. Fortunately, THW Kiel has Norwegian center back Petter Øverby and Croatian national player Veron Nacinovic to fill in the sports void left by Pekeler's absence.
