Sobottka's Misfortune Strikes Again! 💔
The jinx strikes again for Fortuna Düsseldorf's vice-captain, Marcel Sobottka (29). After his triumphant return from a long break, the midfielder is now facing another setback - an unlikely muscular injury sustained during the match against Schalke (5:3).
Bracing for the First Half of the Season without Sobottka?
Sobottka is set to undergo an MRI scan on Monday, and the prospects of his return this season are looking bleak. coach Daniel Thioune (49) shared his concerns, saying, "It's definitely a muscular injury and a potential setback. We'll need to evaluate the severity first. It's difficult to predict at the moment, but it seems it might be a tough call for him to play this season."
The next four fixtures, including Saturday's game in Nuremberg (1pm, Sky), fall within a 14-day window. It's highly likely that Sobottka will miss these matches, leaving a significant gap in the midfield.
Before the game against Schalke, Sobottka had missed a considerable chunk of the season due to a muscle tear and a flu-like illness. The recent injury adds to a string of misfortunes for Sobottka, often a regular in Thioune's lineup.

The Shift in Fortuna's Game After Sobottka's Substitution
The impact of Sobottka's absence was evident when Schalke mounted a comeback during the second half, putting Fortuna under pressure after Sobottka's substitution. Thioune commented, "It was a real blow for us. Sobottka plays a crucial balance between offense and defense. He helps shape the game in our favor. Unfortunately, we may not see him this season in that capacity."
In a positive turn, Fortuna Düsseldorf manager confirmed that Nicolas Gavory (28) would resume training following a minor adductor issue, although he was removed as a precaution.
Unfortunately, Sobottka's predicament presents a significant challenge for Fortuna Düsseldorf in the absence of their key player. With Sobottka's sustained absence possibly affecting their midfield, the team might face difficulties in maintaining their 2nd league performance throughout the season.
Enrichment Data (Integrated)
Fortuna Düsseldorf has been grappling with injuries and suspensions throughout the season, which has impacted their performance. The team has experienced inconsistent results due to these tribulations, as reported by various sources [1][2].
The team is nonetheless generating interest in their players' performances, particularly following Sobottka's injury. Sebastian Hochrainer, a reliable performer, has caught the attention of Sport-Lichthaus Essen. Meanwhile, Düsseldorf's regional supporters are optimistic that their team can compete in the 2nd league and potentially secure a promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2023-2024 season.
Note: The source information does not provide specific recovery timelines or impact analysis for Sobottka's injury on the team's 2nd league performance.