Ragnar Ache set to miss FC Koln’s clash against Schalke

Ragnar Ache is expected to remain sidelined when FC Köln host FC Schalke 04 on Saturday as the striker continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

The 27-year-old forward has returned to partial team training but has yet to regain full fitness, making him unlikely to feature in the Bundesliga encounter scheduled for 15:30 local time.

Head coach René Wagner confirmed the situation during Thursday’s press conference, indicating that the club would continue to manage Ache’s workload carefully.

“Raggy is currently participating in partial training. He will most likely not be an option for Saturday,” Wagner explained.

Ache resumed team training at the beginning of the week, marking an encouraging step towards his return. However, Koln are unwilling to rush the striker back before he is ready to handle the demands of competitive football.

The setback has left Koln short of recognised centre-forwards, with Thijs Dallinga and Imad Rondić also among the injured players. Ache’s return would therefore provide a significant boost to Wagner’s attacking options.

Koln are now targeting the DFB-Pokal home match against Union Berlin on Tuesday, October 27, as a possible return date for the striker. If he is not ready for that fixture, Wagner has indicated that Ache could return in time for the Bundesliga away game against Union Berlin on November 1.