Another setback! Kiel without ex-HSV captain Schonlau for now | OneFootball

For Sebastian Schonlau, everything was supposed to get better at Holstein Kiel. After a chapter in North America marked by injuries, the former HSV captain wanted to make a fresh start on the Baltic coast.

But just a few days after his move, the 31-year-old has already had to deal with another setback. As Holstein Kiel announced, Schonlau suffered a muscle fiber tear in the friendly against Danish top-flight side Sønderjyske FB. The center-back had already been substituted after around 15 minutes in the 2–1 win. For the time being, he will not be able to take part in team training. Nevertheless, the new signing traveled with the squad to Kiel’s training camp in Maria Alm, Austria, where he is set to work individually on his comeback.

Particularly bitter: the move to Kiel had actually been intended as a sporting fresh start for the former HSV captain. Only a few days ago, following the mutual termination of his contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps, he had joined the Storks. Schonlau never really settled in MLS. Injuries kept him sidelined for almost the entire season. As a result, in just under a year he made only one competitive appearance.

Photo: IMAGO

Major HSV reunion in Kiel

A new chapter was supposed to begin in Kiel — together with familiar faces from his Hamburg days. Under head coach Tim Walter, who once made Schonlau HSV captain, and alongside his longtime companion Jonas Meffert, the center-back wanted to take on an important role again.

Holstein Kiel’s decision-makers had high hopes for the veteran. Managing director of sport Olaf Rebbe described him as a player with an exceptional personality. Walter even called him “an absolute leader” and one of his most important contacts from their time together in Hamburg.

But instead of being on the training pitch, rehab is now Schonlau’s top priority for the time being. How long the defender will be out is currently unclear. The northern Germans begin their season in around three and a half weeks against SV Darmstadt 98 (08/08, 1:00 p.m.).

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