VfL trainer Glasner considers three candiates for central defense against Bayern
A contusion suffered in last Friday night's 2-1 win over Frankfurt has kept center-back John Anthony Brooks out of squad's training sessions and will likely see him sidelined for Wednesday.
Trainer Oliver Glasner currently considers three replacements; two high-profile names and an intriguing rookie.
With John Antony Brooks most unexpectedly emerging as the squad's defensive leader this season, Oliver Glasner must choose his replacement carefully in the upcoming monster match against the German record champions.
Trainer Oliver Glasner currently considers three replacements; two high-profile names and an intriguing rookie.
Glasner confirmed that one option would be star Croatian defender Marin Pongracic, who has only seen one single solitary minute of action this season after struggles with mononucleosis and COVID. A very expensive transfer from last January's window, Pongracic did log significant minutes for the Wolves during the second half of last year's campaign. He eventually partnered with Brooks for the final eight matches.
Another option will be the squad's actual captain Joshua Guilavogui. After tearing a thigh muscle in round five against Bielefeld, the 30-year-old Frenchmen suffered a set-back in training three weeks ago and has not played since lat October. Guilavogui has played at center-back before this year, filling in during pre-season, the Pokal round, and the failed UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign.
Should Glasner not feel comfortable chancing it with either of the players, he made clear in a media appearance on Tuesday that he would not hesitate to use 20-year-old Tim Siersleben, who only just signed his first professional contract with the club last week. Asked whether it would be a good idea to pit a rookie against, of all strikers, Robert Lewandowski, Glasner said he had "zero concerns."
"I see it every day in training," Glasner continued, "Tim is a super lad who takes in everything."