Saturday, February 21, 2026
Shortly before the start of the home game against TSG Hoffenheim (2:2), Lukas Kwasniok had to change his line-up. Jan Thielmann, who was originally intended for the right wing, suffered a muscle injury during the warm-up, and Eric Martel replaced him in the starting line-up. Thielmann, in turn, is threatened with a forced break of several weeks. A fiber tear is suspected.
“He’s not feeling that great,” explained coach Kwasniok after the final whistle and added: “Unfortunately, something muscular happens to him every now and then.” A muscular injury had already slowed down Cologne’s homegrown team last autumn, and Thielmann had missed four competitive games.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Eric Martel is looking for form at 1. FC Köln. The 23-year-old is now part of the Billy Goats’ regular staff again. However, the defensive midfielder is far from his peak performance. Another reason for Lukas Kwasniok: the unclear contract situation. Martel’s contract with FC expires in June 2026. So far, the former U21 national player has not wanted to extend his contract.
“Apart from the next game, footballers are most concerned about their own future,” said Kwasniok. “Not because you have existential fears, but because you are thinking about which step is the right one. And if you are an organized and structured person like Eric, this concerns you a little. That cannot be dismissed.”
