FC Köln have been handed a major injury concern after German-Ghanaian striker Ragnar Ache was forced off during their Bundesliga encounter with FC St. Pauli.
The forward’s night was cut short early in the second half, dealing a potential blow to Köln’s ambitions as the season approaches a decisive phase.
Ache’s injury occurred in the 50th minute when he attempted to accelerate during a dribble but appeared to catch his footing awkwardly on the turf. The 25-year-old immediately clutched his right thigh and signalled to the bench that he could not continue, before going to ground and requiring assistance to leave the pitch.
With no contact involved, early indications point toward a muscle-related issue rather than a collision injury.
Köln are expected to carry out further medical assessments in the coming days to determine the severity of the problem. Marius Bülter was introduced as his replacement for the remainder of the match.
Ache has been a key figure in Köln’s attacking setup, and any prolonged absence could prove costly for a side still battling to secure their Bundesliga status.
