Köln dealt injury blow as Ellyes Skhiri faces extended spell on sidelines

The club confirmed the news following an MRI scan on Sunday evening, revealing that the Tunisia international had sustained an ankle injury that would require a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Köln have not provided a more precise diagnosis or confirmed a timeframe for his return. 

Skhiri was forced off shortly before half-time at the RheinEnergieStadion after a challenge from Gladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus left him in considerable pain. The 31-year-old required treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher, with the midfielder subsequently taken to a clinic for further examinations while the match was still underway.

The incident proved a major concern for Köln, who had to replace Skhiri with Tom Krauß at the interval. The midfielder had returned to the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer and has established himself as an important figure in the side under head coach René Wagner.

While Köln ultimately secured all three points thanks to Said El Mala’s second-half winner, Skhiri’s injury provided a significant downside to an otherwise memorable afternoon for the club and its supporters.

The squad also paid tribute to their injured teammate after the final whistle, holding his shirt aloft in the dressing room as they dedicated the derby victory to him. 

The extent of Skhiri’s absence remains unclear, with the club yet to disclose a specific recovery period. However, the confirmation that he faces an extended spell out represents a setback for Köln as they prepare for Friday’s Bundesliga trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.