Bambase Conte ruled out of Hoffenheim’s Europa League clash against Crystal Palace

TSG Hoffenheim will be without attacker Bambase Conte for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League encounter against Crystal Palace in London.

The 23-year-old is unavailable for the fourth matchday fixture after continuing to struggle with an adductor injury, handing head coach Christian Ilzer another setback ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.

Speaking at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, Ilzer confirmed that Conté would not be available, alongside defender Vladimir Coufal.

“Except for Alex Prass, nobody else is returning. So Vlad (Coufal) is still unavailable, and Bamba Conté is also out,” the Austrian coach explained.

Conté’s absence means he will miss his second consecutive competitive fixture after also sitting out Hoffenheim’s recent Bundesliga defeat against Werder Bremen.

The attacker had previously struggled with adductor problems during the club’s Europa League victory over Olympique Lyon and was subsequently forced off during their DFB-Pokal elimination against Holstein Kiel.

His continued absence is another blow for Hoffenheim, who are dealing with several injury problems within the squad as they prepare for their European assignment.

Conté’s availability for Schalke clash uncertain

Hoffenheim will now hope the 23-year-old makes sufficient progress to return for Sunday’s Bundesliga home encounter against FC Schalke 04.

However, Ilzer has not provided a definitive timeline for the attacker’s comeback, leaving his availability for the weekend uncertain.

The Kraichgau outfit will be eager to welcome Conté back as they look to strengthen their attacking options during a demanding period of the season.

For now, the focus remains on his recovery, with Hoffenheim keen to avoid aggravating the adductor problem.