Mainz dealt major blow as Benedict Hollerbach set for extended spell on the sidelines | OneFootball

According to BILD, the 24-year-old is understood to have torn his Achilles tendon during Saturday’s victory over RB Leipzig. Medical examinations conducted over the weekend are said to have confirmed the diagnosis, which is expected to rule him out for several months and reduce Urs Fischer’s attacking options as Mainz continue their fight for survival.

Hollerbach went down writhing in pain while clutching his ankle barely ten minutes into the contest, with no opponent in close proximity - a worrying sign that immediately suggested a serious injury. He was eventually stretchered off in the 14th minute and replaced by Silas, who would go on to score the winning goal.

The forward has managed just one league goal since his €10m move from Union Berlin in the summer, a transfer that saw him become Mainz’s record signing. He is expected to undergo surgery in Munich as early as Monday.

In response, Mainz are reportedly exploring a replacement, with Sheraldo Becker emerging as a potential target from La Liga side Osasuna ahead of the 20:00 CET transfer deadline. The Suriname international previously worked under Fischer at Union Berlin, a factor that could aid negotiations.