Kovac speaks on possible replacements for Wimmer, concedes Lukas Nmecha is likely out for the season
VfL Wolfsburg trainer Niko Kovac discussed potential alternatives in his squad for the suspended Patrick Wimmer at his Friday presser.
The gaffer of Germany's green company team also relayed the unfortunate news that he didn't expect German striker Lukas Nmecha back this year.
When it came time to discuss who would replace the suspended Patrick Wimmer on the flanks against Gladbach this weekend, VfL Wolfsburg head-coach Niko Kovac cited "many alternatives". Not for the first time this season, Kovac praised the recent work of American attacker Kevin Paredes off the bench. The 19-year-old has garnered two assists in his last two relief appearances.
The gaffer of Germany's green company team also relayed the unfortunate news that he didn't expect German striker Lukas Nmecha back this year.
"Kevin is an absolute game changer," Kovac noted, "He makes an impact. He's developed excellently and is doing a great job."
Paredes ended up earning a start the last time Kovac spoke of him in such glowing terms. Results proved to be less glowing than Kovac had hoped for. A more likely scenario will probably see Omar Marmoush move out to the wing whilst Luca Waldschmidt or perhaps Jonas Wind takes over in the center. Kovac specifically discussed moving Marmoush over after mentioning Paredes.
Asked about the stop-start comeback of German striker Lukas Nmecha, Kovac regrettably had only sad news to report. The 24-year-old is back in individualized rehabilitation training and the club sees no need to rush the seven-times-capped German national team forward back.
"I can't foresee him returning to team training in the near future," Kovac said, "He's making only incremental progress. I can well imagine that we won't be seeing him until next year."