The fitness level of Baris Atik (29) has recently been a mystery. However, the difference maker is expected to be back in the game for 1. FC Magdeburg’s evening game in Cologne. Two other regular players, however, are questionable.
Available again in Cologne: Baris Atik. IMAGO/Christian Schroedter
“Baris is fully fit and able to play,” said Magdeburg coach Christian Titz at the press conference on Thursday, putting an end to speculation about the offensive player’s health. In the current season, the 29-year-old offensive player only played 16 minutes in the away game against Eintracht Braunschweig – after which he had to leave the field again because his old muscle injury had flared up again. He also had to undergo dental surgery.
It was not clear until midweek whether Atik would return to Cologne after being out for over a month. Although he had completed full team training on Monday, he was completely absent on Tuesday. “Because of the injury and the dental surgery, we took more time to make sure that the scar tissue was OK and that everything had healed properly,” explained Titz. However, Atik has been “in good condition for two weeks and is fully fit for exercise.”
All clear at Kaars – Mathisen and Musonda on the brink
The same applies to new signing Martijn Kaars, who sat out at the beginning of the week due to an injury, but is also available for the game on Saturday evening (8.30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker). Kaars, who has settled in excellently in Magdeburg with three goals in four league games, could now play together with Atik for more than just a few minutes for the first time.
Titz is keen to see alternatives in attack, as Aleksa Marusic (torn ligament) is still out and Bryan Teixeira will miss the game in Cologne due to the impending birth of his child. In addition, two regular players are in doubt: central defender Marcus Mathisen is ailing due to an infection. “He had a fever for a while,” said Titz. “We’ll have to wait and see.” Wing player Lubambo Musonda will not return to team training until Friday after his trip to the Zambian national team. His attacking drive (already three assists) would be missed by FCM in Cologne.
