Strikers Hollerbach and Kaufmann left off of FCU Champions League squad

Newly acquired young strikers Mikel Kaufmann and Benedict Hollerbach have both missed the cut on the inaugural group stage roster of German Champions’ League representatives 1. FC Union Berlin. 

After much discussion that one or the other might be loaned out, two young additions to the 1. FC Union Berlin Bundesliga roster over the summer remained on the FCU’s payroll ledger following the close of business on transfer deadline day. Neither 22-year-old will be available to participate in Union’s historic first ever Champions’ League campaign either. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Dane Mikkel Kaufmann and Benedict Hollerbach were passed over for the squad. Currently injured Hungarian attacking midfielder Andras Schäfer was also left off.

Union will rely upon Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana, Kevin Behrens, Sheraldo Becker, and Kevin Volland as their primary attacking corps. Hollerbach – in commenting on the situation during a Tuesday press round – expressed his disappointment, yet insisted it remained a privilege to train amid a “very deep squad”. Hollerbach did receive 30 minutes of playing time as a sub in the recent league loss against Leipzig. Kaufmann’s first league appearance in the FCU’s colors, coming in the same match, came only at the end.

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