Gocholeishvili: Masked return in the DFB-Pokal? | OneFootball

Giorgi Gocholeishvili missed the last two competitive matches due to a nasal bone fracture. Now, however, he seems ready for a return to the field.

During the week, the Georgian national player trained with a specially made mask but did not feel particularly comfortable. "Giorgi felt restricted. Then we adjusted the face protection. However, I wasn't sure if he would be at 100 percent and able to play," said coach Merlin Polzin at the press conference before the home game against Wolfsburg.

Therefore, Gocholeishvili ultimately watched the unfortunate 0:1 defeat from the stands. "He then trained with the guys who were not in the squad," reported Polzin after the final whistle (via Bild). He drew a positive conclusion: "It worked significantly better. It's a matter of habit." Gocholeishvili has found a way to handle the new conditions and could soon be ready to play again.

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Will Gocholeishvili immediately replace his substitute Mikelbrencis?

On Tuesday, HSV will face 1. FC Heidenheim in the DFB-Pokal – possibly with the 25-year-old. "He coped better with the restriction in training on Saturday. Therefore, I hope that Giorgi will be ready for the cup match," emphasized Polzin, who entrusted William Mikelbrencis in Gocholeishvili's absence both times. Mikelbrencis performed bravely, but could not equally replace the previous regular player.

Before his absence, Gocholeishvili proved to be an active player in the role of the right wing-back. He consistently fulfilled his duties at the back. Moreover, he was a revitalizing element in the offensive play and was already involved in several goals. Polzin will likely want to rely on these qualities again as soon as possible, even though his ambitious protégé will initially have to rely on a mask.

Photo: IMAGO

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.