Wagner on "brutal blow" to Skhiri, Castro-Montes fit for Köln voyage to Frankfurt

As their build up to Friday's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt begins, René Wagner said the loss of Ellyes Skhiri to injury is difficult to accept. 

“That's a brutal blow for us. I hope that Ellyes will be available again at the start of next year,” he said in this afternoon's press conference.

"However, I don't want to give a precise prognosis. Tom Krauß came on at halftime in the derby and did well.

“We also have an option with Paul Okon-Engstler [as a replacement option],” he added, before discussing the full-back positions. 

"Alessio Castro-Montes is an option for the squad again for Friday. It's a very tight race between Borna Sosa and Gideon Mensah.

“Both are doing well in training. After the derby win, Borna might have a slight edge right now, but that can change at any time,” Wagner said.

Savouring the sweet taste of victory from last Sunday's Rhinederby, Wagner also praised his centre-half duo and encouraged Linton Maina.

"Jahmai and Locho as the center-back duo are finding their rhythm better and better and defended a lot against Gladbach.

They take steps forward in every game. But as a group, we want to keep stabilizing defensively. Linton needs to feel comfortable.

"He needs to sense the trust. We're giving him that feeling. He shows up with a lot of motivation in every training session.

Over the summer, he did a ton of sprints and is also defensively involved with a great deal of meticulousness," the 38-year-old concluded.