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FSV Mainz 05 have confirmed that lead striker Benedict Hollerbach will remain unavailable for Thursdays Conference League playoff fixture against Rosenborg Trondheim. The new summer acquisition had to be subbed off after 15 minutes in Sunday’s Bundesliga defeat against 1. FC Köln. Mainz seek to keep their European dream alive in Thursday’s crucial second leg playoff against the Norwegians after having surprisingly lost the first fixture.
Hollerbach was replaced on Sunday by Germany U21 striker Nelson Weiper. After dealing with a messy contract dispute, Weiper has patched things up with his hometown club and will be signing a contract extension shortly. The 20-year-old remained rather ineffective in relief of Hollerbach on Sunday, perhaps still somewhat distracted by the events of recent weeks.
Mainz were somewhat vague about the precise diagnosis of Hollberbach’s injury on Tuesday, but it may well be the case that the 24-year-old will be sidelined through the international break. Weiper may get a chance to earn a regular role in head coach Bo Henriksen’s starting XI as the Rheinhessen seek to overcome a poor start to both their Bundesliga and Conference League campaigns.
GGFN | Peter Weis
