1. FC Cologne: Van den Berg is out for a short time – veteran moves up

News blog about 1. FC Cologne

Central defender is out for a short time – veteran moves up

1. FC Köln is fighting to stay in the Bundesliga. In the news blog on t-online you will find all the important news about the Geißbockheim.

The 1. FC Cologne will have to do without Rav van den Berg on matchday 32 at Union Berlin. The Dutchman had to abandon the final training session on Friday at Geißbockheim due to injuries. For the central defender, head coach René Wagner nominated Dominique Heintz, a veteran and former Unioner.

In addition, FC will have to do without the suspended Isak Johannesson. Denis Huseinbasic returned to the squad to replace the Icelander. He had to watch from the stands twice recently. With a win at Union on Saturday, FC could make it almost perfect to stay in the league.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Will 1. FC Köln’s best joker be in the starting line-up at Union Berlin on Saturday? After his recent strong performances from the bench, Luca Waldschmidt has a legitimate chance of being in the starting eleven on the 32nd Bundesliga matchday.

“A little more than last week,” Wagner said at the press conference on Thursday with a meaningful smile. “Then let’s see if that happens.” Waldschmidt scored as a substitute in the last two games and scored four of his five goals this season as a substitute.

Timo Hübers is about to extend his contract with 1. FC Köln. In an interview with Radio Cologne, the former captain said: “I don’t necessarily want to bring you to the table, but I think we’re well on the way to reaching an agreement.” A timely report on completion can be expected.

Hübers suffered a serious knee injury in the away game in Dortmund more than six months ago, from which he is still recovering. The central defender, whose contract is now expiring, also sees himself “on a really good path” in the rehabilitation process.

1. FC Köln presented their new special jersey on Tuesday. The Billy Goats’ Bundesliga women will play their annual highlight game in the Rheinenergiestadion on Saturday (1 p.m.) and will wear shirts specially designed for this occasion against SV Werder Bremen.