Ragnar Ache sidelined after thigh injury in FC Koln friendly

Ragnar Ache will be sidelined for the time being after suffering a thigh muscle injury during FC Koln’s friendly against FC Viktoria Koln.

The club confirmed the setback on Saturday evening, adding to a frustrating day for the Bundesliga side.

Ache’s appearance lasted only around 10 minutes. He entered in the 35th minute to replace Thijs Dallinga, who had also been forced off with an injury. Shortly before half-time, Ache sustained his own problem and was unable to continue, remaining in the dressing room after the interval.

Dallinga’s injury is more serious, with the Dutch striker diagnosed with a cruciate ligament problem. The double blow means Koln lost both of their recognised centre-forwards within the space of just 10 minutes.

The timing leaves coach and sporting staff facing an immediate selection headache ahead of the club’s next matches. Marius Bülter is expected to become the leading option in attack after scoring Koln’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Viktoria Koln.

The club has not announced how long Ache will be unavailable. Further examinations should determine the severity of the muscle injury and provide a clearer recovery timeline. Until then, Koln must prepare without two important attacking options and consider alternatives in the final third.