Midfielder Marco Höger, once on the ball for FC Schalke 04 and 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga, is missing from third division Waldhof Mannheim for at least six months due to a serious injury.
As the Kurpfälzer announced, the 33-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in a duel in training on Monday.
“We wish Marco Höger a good healing process and will accompany him on this path as much as possible,” the statement said.
As “Bild” reports, the veteran will soon undergo an operation, with Dr. Peter Schäferhoff, the team doctor of his former club 1. FC Köln.
Höger moved from the Domstädter to Mannheim in 2021. He had played five years earlier in his native city of Cologne.
“Hard hit” for a former professional at 1. FC Köln
“A very hard blow for me. My head will soon be up again. The next time in the fall of my career will be a real challenge again. But why easy when it’s difficult, right?!” Höger commented on the bitter diagnosis on his Instagram -Channel.
It is possible that the 159-time Bundesliga player, whose contract with Waldhof expires after the season, is now at the end of his career.
“I talked to Marco about that yesterday. Of course, he first wants to get through the surgery well and get fit again. His goal is to return to the pitch at the end of the season. Ultimately, he’ll have to decide for himself whether it makes sense to hang on for another year. But it’s clear that he doesn’t want to end his career like that,” said Mannheim’s head coach Christian Neidhart “Picture”.
Stations at FC Schalke 04, Alemannia Aachen and Bayer Leverkusen
Höger’s injury was “a shock – especially in view of our situation. Nevertheless, we have to stay calm now,” said Neidhart, who still wants to fight for promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga with Waldhof despite a mixed start to the season.
The Waldhof coach did not rule out a possible signing. Together with sporting director Tim Schork, he will “watch the market closely,” said Neidhart. “Because of course it’s about finding a player who best brings Marco’s quality.”
Before joining 1. FC Köln, Höger laced up his football boots for FC Schalke 04 for five years. He was trained at Alemannia Aachen and Bayer Leverkusen.