“We didn’t have to chop his foot off” – Kwasniok gives update on El Mala and reflects on youngster’s first Germany call-up

After picking up a knock in training earlier this week, 1. FC Köln wonderkid Said El Mala has been passed fit for Saturday’s Rheinderby against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

“There was no real issue with Said. I know that in certain situations, a mountain can quickly be made out of a molehill. He got hit on the foot, we applied an ice pack, and that was it. We didn't have to chop his foot off,” Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok joked at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“He trained normally the next day wearing tape. He will train again today and will be ready to play tomorrow.”

After coming off the bench in last week’s 4-1 win over Hamburger SV, El Mala appears likely to start this time.

“He’s more than just a game-changer for the last 15 or 20 minutes,” Kwasniok said.

 “If I only let him play a little, I’d be holding him back from getting even better. Based on this, you can imagine how high his chances are to start in the derby.”

On Thursday, El Mala was included in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the first time, and Kwasniok shared his thoughts on the milestone.

“The call-up to the national team is the next step in his development. We’re happy for him - everyone in Köln is. It’s a great story for the club and for Said, who is a really good kid,” Kwasniok said.

“But the call-up hasn’t changed Said. He’s still the boy who just loves to dribble. 

"There’s been some discussion about whether the call-up might have come too early. Said has delivered, and Julian Nagelsmann is keen on a specialist. We don’t have that many dribblers. That’s why I understand – and I’m happy – that Julian wants to get to know him,” he stressed.