Ragnar Ache celebrates careful comeback in Koln’s second pre-season test

Ragnar Ache will make his long-awaited comeback for FC Koln in their second pre-season friendly, marking an important step in his return from injury.

After a 5-0 opening win over Rheinsud Koln, the Billy Goats now face regional side SV Bergisch Gladbach 09 on Thursday evening, with Ache named in the starting XI.

The striker was deliberately rested for the first friendly as Koln manage his workload carefully following last season’s problems. This game is therefore seen as a controlled progression back towards full match fitness rather than a complete return to normal duty.

Head coach Rene Wagner has already moved to dampen expectations about Ache’s playing time, stressing that the forward will be eased in. “Reggie will be involved, but a bit shorter than the other players, around half an hour,” Wagner explained via Geissblog, underlining the club’s cautious plan for their key attacker.

The measured approach stems from Ache’s recent injury history. In the closing phase of last season he suffered a muscle fibre tear in his thigh, ruling him out of Koln’s final four Bundesliga matches. With that setback still fresh, the club are determined to bring him back step by step so he can build towards a top season without risking a relapse.