FC Köln fans received unfortunate news on Tuesday as the club revealed that promising young German-born Ghanaian talent Justin Diehl, aged 19, will be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle injury sustained during the derby clash against Leverkusen.
Diehl, who had been gaining attention for his performances on the pitch, encountered difficulties during the intense derby encounter. Following the match, the club conducted an MRI examination on Monday to assess the extent of his injury. The results confirmed fears of a significant muscle injury in his thigh, leaving him facing an extended period on the sidelines.
The German-born Ghanaian winger, who was brought on in the 65th minute of the game to inject some energy into Köln’s attack, seemed eager to make an impact. However, his enthusiasm was short-lived as he pulled up clutching his right thigh while sprinting down the flank. The injury appeared to be severe enough to warrant an immediate substitution, leaving Diehl visibly frustrated as he limped off the pitch.
Replacing the injured Diehl in the 69th minute was Leart Paçarada, who was tasked with salvaging something from the game for the struggling FC Köln side. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Köln couldn’t find a way back into the match, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen.
