Overview
- Both Said El Mala and Thijs Dallinga missed training with illness and are now doubtful for Köln’s trip to Stuttgart, with coach René Wagner saying El Mala looks a bit more likely to play than Dallinga.
- The two forwards were central to Köln’s 3-2 season-opening win over Hoffenheim, with El Mala scoring and new signing Dallinga coming off the bench to score twice.
- Köln completed late transfer moves to add left-back Borna Sosa from Crystal Palace and 19-year-old Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham to boost squad depth.
- Wagner praised Moore as a versatile attacking option who can play across the front line and said the coaching staff will assess all players day-to-day ahead of the match against a Stuttgart side he called hard to break down.
- The new signings give Köln cover for possible short-term absences and could change the starting shape or bench options, so fitness updates before the game will directly affect selection and tactical plans.