Overview

• Coach Niko Kovac confirmed Emre Can would miss the DFB-Pokal tie at Rot-Weiss Essen and the first two league matches.
• Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle are also unavailable, leaving a pronounced shortage at center back.
• Youngster Filippo Mane has been drafted into the back line to cover the absences.
• Yan Couto was named in the starting XI at St. Pauli after a knee scare, with Julian Ryerson included only as emergency cover.
• With Jobe Bellingham the lone notable addition so far, local analysis says a poor start could push Kehl to add defensive depth and a backup for Serhou Guirassy.