Frankfurt loses Batshuayi to foot fracture - Offensive crisis deepens

Eintracht Frankfurt enter a tense phase of the season after the latest blow to their offensive line: Michy Batshuayi has suffered a confirmed midfoot fracture and is now ruled out indefinitely. The 32-year-old forward, who started in the shocking 0:6 defeat at RB Leipzig, had to be withdrawn at halftime - and Monday’s medical assessment delivered the grim diagnosis.

Batshuayi’s operation reportedly has already taken place, but Eintracht did not provide a timetable for his return. Given the severity of a midfoot break, the club - and the fans - must brace for a substantial absence.

The timing could not be worse. Batshuayi was seen by some at the club as a potential go-to striker after injuries elsewhere. Instead, with him and the already sidelined national striker Jonathan Burkardt both unavailable - Burkardt due to a calf injury - Eintracht find themselves dangerously low on experienced centre-forward options.

That leaves the coaching staff scant alternatives at the top of the formation: the only recognized centre-forward still available is Elye Wahi - a young striker who recently struggled for playing time and failed to convince when given opportunities this season.

In short: Eintracht Frankfurt have lost more than a player. They’ve lost a pillar of their recent offensive hopes. The light at the end of this tunnel just got a little dimmer - and the coming weeks may show whether the squad still has the depth and resilience to cope.