Ellyes Skhiri set for extended absence after ankle injury in derby win

FC Koln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a syndesmosis injury during the club’s 2-1 derby win over Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 31-year-old Tunisia international was injured shortly before half-time when Gladbach’s Florian Neuhaus caught his ankle while attempting a block. Skhiri was carried from the pitch on a stretcher and taken to hospital for further examinations.

According to Kicker, the injury could keep him out for up to three months. That would likely rule Skhiri out for the remainder of the calendar year, leaving Cologne without one of their most experienced defensive midfielders.

His absence is a significant setback, given his leadership, positional discipline and consistency at the base of midfield. Tom Krauß and Ísak Jóhannesson are now expected to take on greater responsibility in the centre.

Krauß replaced Skhiri and impressed defensively, winning all six of his duels and producing a crucial late block. Coach Rene Wagner praised the midfielder’s display, saying: “Tom is a player who throws himself into everything and sacrifices himself for the team. He did that again.”

Paul Okon-Engstler and academy players Kristiyan Irmiev and Gil Neves could also benefit while Skhiri recovers.