Wagner calls Skhiri injury a "brutal blow" as Castro-Montes is fit for Frankfurt trip

Wagner on Skhiri blow and a tight full-back race

As Cologne began their preparations for Friday's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, head coach René Wagner admitted that the loss of Ellyes Skhiri to injury is hard to accept.

"That's a brutal blow for us. I hope that Ellyes will be available again at the start of next year," he said at this afternoon's press conference.

Wagner declined to give a precise timeline, adding: "However, I don't want to give a precise prognosis." Tom Krauß came on at half-time in the derby and performed well, and Wagner said Paul Okon-Engstler is also an option as a replacement.

Castro-Montes back in contention

Alessio Castro-Montes is available again for the squad on Friday. At full-back, the battle is close: Borna Sosa and Gideon Mensah are both training well.

"Both are doing well in training. After the derby win, Borna might have a slight edge right now, but that can change at any time," Wagner said.

Praise for the centre-backs and support for Linton Maina

Wagner was pleased with the centre-back pairing of Jahmai and Locho, who defended well against Gladbach in last Sunday's Rhinederby win. "They take steps forward in every game. But as a group, we want to keep stabilizing defensively," he said.

Wagner also spoke about Linton Maina, stressing the need for the winger to feel trusted. "He needs to sense the trust. We're giving him that feeling. He shows up with a lot of motivation in every training session. Over the summer, he did a ton of sprints and is also defensively involved with a great deal of meticulousness," the 38-year-old concluded.