The first unit of this training week before the final in Rostock on Wednesday was almost over when Suhonen went down after a duel. “Actually,” reveals Walter, “we were through, I just wanted to wait to see if there is another goal in the final game.”
Instead, Suhonen fell. The coach no longer had the training continued, with a thick bandage around the left ankle and the 21-year-old was removed in the GolfCart. Walter does not dare a forecast for Sunday and advises: “Wait.” After all, after initial investigations in the square, the foot was apparently agile – an indication that at least no serious injury could be available.
One thing is clear: Suhonen’s failure of the trainer would thwart plans. With his maneuverability and courage to look for one-against-one situations, the midfielder has visibly awarded the HSV game in the past few weeks. Walter could absorb a lack of three possible variants: he could announce Sonny Kittel from the left outer lane back into midfield, but has only a limited extent on the wing. Faride Alidou has been completely next to the trail since the turn of the year and his fixed move to Frankfurt, Giorgi Chakvetadze has played out; Walter could also prefer Moritz Heyer from the right -back position into midfield and bring Josha Vagnoman back into his preferred role. The U-21 international was replaced in the 2-1 against Hanover for a cramp, but went back to training on Wednesday.
The least would have to change Walter if David Kinsombi would take over the Suhonen role faithfully. But: The ex-Kiel had its last starting eleven in early February. After all, there was a 5-0 in Darmstadt. It shouldn’t be less than an away win on Sunday to secure the relegation place on its own.
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