Hoffenheim lose Albian Hajdari for weeks as Ilzer prepares for Beşiktaş

Hajdari ruled out for 'next few weeks'

TSG Hoffenheim will be without Albian Hajdari for their Europa League game against Beşiktaş JK, coach Christian Ilzer has confirmed. The Kosovan had been making excellent progress but picked up a plantar fascia injury the day before Ilzer's press conference and is set to be unavailable for the next few weeks.

"Hajdari was making excellent progress, but yesterday he injured his plantar fascia and will be unavailable for the next few weeks. That's a real blow for us. The other players have recovered from their minor injuries or colds," Ilzer said.

The injury could also rule him out of upcoming Bundesliga games against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Olympique Lyon and Bayer Leverkusen.

Ilzer expects a tricky European test

Looking ahead to the match with the second-placed team in the Turkish Süper Lig, Ilzer described Beşiktaş as a side with a rich tradition and high ambitions, pointing to their 4-1 win over Marseille as a statement of intent.

"Tomorrow we face an opponent with a rich tradition and high ambitions. They made a statement with their 4-1 victory over Marseille. We know we're up against a team of high quality. However, we are confident that we will put on a very good performance."

Converting chances a continuing issue

Hoffenheim have created opportunities in many games this season but have too often failed to make them count, Ilzer admitted. He said he sees a team that does not give up easily and plays with a will to improve, drawing on his own experience.

"We've had opportunities in many games this season, but too often we haven't managed to hold onto them. Difficult periods in my career have always been the ones where I've learned the most. I'm seeing a team that doesn't give up easily and plays with a will to improve."