Overview
- Rot-Weiss Essen confirmed on Sunday that Jaka Cuber Potocnik has been removed from full team training because of muscular problems and will not be rushed back.
- During the international break RWE beat Sportfreunde Broekhuysen 3:0 in the Niederrheinpokal and then drew 2:2 in a friendly at Arminia Bielefeld where Potocnik was absent.
- Koschinat used the Bielefeld friendly to test different players and formations as part of short-term adjustments to cover possible absences.
- The club faces a thin squad, made worse by the recent Bätzner injury, and has outlined improvised emergency plans to manage two upcoming 'English' weeks of fixtures.
- With the next league game in Münster roughly two weeks away, RWE must decide on availability choices, temporary reinforcements, or youth promotion to fill gaps in the roster.