Hertha: Injured Dardai brothers and Maza still need time
The personnel bottleneck in Hertha BSC's attacking midfield will probably only be resolved after the winter break. "When I'm sitting at home and hear Palko say: Yes, I'll play the last two games. And Bence too. Then I say: You two aren't doing anything. I'm experienced," said coach Pal Dardai on Thursday about the prospects of his two injured sons returning soon.
Ibrahim Maza (17), who was injured in the summer and would be another option for the ten-man role, will also need time. "If we're being realistic, they'll come back in for preparation during the winter break," said sporting director Benjamin Weber ahead of the second division match against Karlsruher SC on Saturday (8.30pm/Sky and Sport1). "Maybe one or two will return to training in December. But we shouldn't rush into that either."
Captain Toni Leistner and Marc Oliver Kempf will be available again in central defense against Baden after their suspensions. "The two experienced players will be back. They will play," said Dardai.
However, the Hungarian was pleased with the increased competition after Linus Gechter and Marton Dardai did well in the 0-0 draw in Rostock. The only thing the coach would like to see is a dynamic ball-winner in midfield who can make more of an impact in attack. "But I'm satisfied. The attitude is right. The development too," said Dardai.
Despite the absence of key players in attacking midfield due to injuries, Hertha BSC will still face Karlsruhe SC in Bundesliga 2 after the winter break. The injured Dardai brothers and Maza, who could provide options in this position, are expected to return during the winter break preparations.
Source: www.dpa.com
