Hertha down another striker as Piatek injury appears serious
Another injury to the Hertha BSC attacking corps depletes trainer Pal Dardai's center-forward options ahead of the final two crucial fixtures of the season.
Already without Jhon Cordoba for the duration of the season and very probably missing Matheus Cunha this weekend, Germany's "alte dame" must now make do without Krzysztof Piatek. The 25-year-old Polish striker injured his ankle during Wednesday's match in Gerlsenkirchen. Unable to leave the pitch on his own power, he was subbed off in the 58th.
"It's doesn't look good," trainer Pal Dardai candidly said after the match, "the ankle is all messed up."
A closer examination is scheduled for Thursday, according to sources at German footballing magazine Kicker. It looks likely that Piatek, along with Cordoba and Cunha, will be lost for the season.
Young talent Jessic Ngankam came on for Piatek and scored the game-winning goal. Hertha nevertheless face another match on a very tight-turnaround against fellow relegation candidates 1. FC Köln on Saturday. Dardai will also have to make do without forward Dodi Lukebakio, who was sent off late on a red against Schalke.
Without Lukebakio, Cunha, Corboba, and Piatek, Ngankam may be Dardai's only remaining option in terms of a center forward. Dutch wingers Javairo Dilrosun (returning from injury) and Daishawn Redan (underutilized) constitute risker options.