Overview
- Coach Mauro Lustrinelli said Ilic trained with the squad all week and that the likelihood he will be included for the Freiburg match is high.
- Ilic has not played this season after missing months because of food poisoning followed by an appendectomy, so any appearance is expected to be a short, managed spell.
- Union remain short on personnel, with Aljoscha Kemlein injured and Felix Uduokhai, Robert Skov and Stanley Nsoki unavailable, increasing pressure on available attackers.
- The team have recovered form since the long international break and are unbeaten in four matches, but they still seek their first away win and lack a reliable hold‑up forward.
- If Ilic can regain fitness over the coming weeks he could give Union more tactical variety and help retain possession in attack, though meaningful impact will depend on his recovery during the upcoming international break.