Hanover's star player Marcel Halstenberg had a rough start to the week. During their training session on Tuesday, the 30-year-old left-footer had to cut his participation short after only half an hour. Accompanied by the team doctor, Hauke Mommsen, Halstenberg made his way back to the locker rooms.
The Mysterious Struggle
The upcoming training session wasn't the cause of Halstenberg's exit. Four days earlier, they had faced second division leaders St. Pauli, and it wasn't from that game that his muscles took a hit. Perhaps Halstenberg pushed himself a little too hard during the Reds' performance test on Monday afternoon. Things got a bit too competitive during the so-called "shuttle run" at the academy, where the players ran top-speed distances in ever-shorter intervals. It seems Halstenberg gave it his all during those sprints.
Fortunately, Halstenberg shouldn't be out of action for too long. The team is expecting his full recovery ahead of their game against Hertha (on the 24th of November).
- Cedric Teuchert (26) is another player struggling with muscle problems. The top scorer, with eight goals, was still far from 100% during Tuesday's training. Teuchert has missed out on the previous two second division matches, including the derby win against Braunschweig and their most recent game against St. Pauli.
In search of the source of his discomfort, the medical team hasn't found evidence of a strain or even a torn muscle fiber. But the mystery remains unsolved.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Ezeh (22) is healing up from an illness and started training individually once more. Midfielder Max Besuschkow (26) also rejoined the team after recovering from a calf injury.
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The team's focus is now on regrouping and getting ready for their upcoming fixtures, no matter the challenges.
