Augsburg lose starter Rexhbecaj for extended period

According to a report in the local “Augsburger Allgemeine” Zeitung reports that FC Augsburg have lost one of their starting midfielders for a period of three to four weeks. Germany’s Kicker magazine confirms the report.

Official confirmation from the club is still pending, but it looks to be the case that FC Augsburg will have to do without starting midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj for a period of three to four weeks. The 25-year-old had to be substituted off with injury during last Friday’s league win over Hoffenheim. Augsburg’s local newspaper and Germany’s preeminent footballing publication now report that an MRI-scan confirms that the German Kosovar has torn a muscle fiber in his calf.

Rexhbecaj has started 20 of Augsburg’s 21 league fixtures this season. Since play resumed after the turn of the new calendar year, Rexhbecaj has formed a solid midfield double-six partnership with the surprise 19-year-old Belgian phenom Arne Engels. During last Friday night’s hard-fought victory, FCA trainer Enrico Maaßen briefly tried pairing Engels with fellow 19-year-old Renato Veiga before eventually bringing on veteran Julian Baumgartlinger to help stabilize the axis.

Maaßen has many options in terms of the double-six. Arne Maier – serving on the flanks as of late – could move back to his natural position. Niklas Dorsch – finally once again fit after struggling with injury this year – could also be reintroduced in the XI. Maier and Dorsch were the initially intended pairing at the double-six for the Fuggerstädter. The duo have worked together at the double-six for the German U21s.

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