Hoffenheim confirm major injury for Diadie Samassekou, Ilzer speaks on Bazoumana Touré’s potential | OneFootball

Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Hoffenheim head coach Christian Ilzer first had some bad injury news to deliver. Diadie Samassekou may miss the duration of the season. The Malian international suffered a tendon injury in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Heidenheim that translates to a long spell on the sidelines. Hoffenheim seek to pull themselves away from the Bundesliga relegation pack in a Friday fixture against relegation rivals St. Pauli.

Samassekou counted as one of Ilzer’s special projects. The Austrian coach reintroduced the 29-year-old defensive midfield specialist back into the squad on matchday 13, handing him his first Bundesliga start in well over two years. Since then, Samassekou has made six starts across all competitions. Ilzer’s Kraichgauer must already contend with long-term absentees Ozan Kabak and Grischa Prömel but Samassekou’s time in Kraichgau may be over as he sits on an expiring contract.

With respect to the attack, Ilzer did have some good news to convey. Marius Bülter will once again be available for the showdown with Hamburg’s Kiezkicker. Bülter’s return bolsters the left-hand side of attack. Asked whether new January acquisition Bazoumana Touré might finally get his first start ahead of the recovering Bülter, Ilzer was evasive about the 19-year-old he’s been steadily integrating into the team via four relief appearances.

There was still plenty for praise for the Ivorian youth international and his potential on the left-hand-side of attack. Bülter may start up front alongside Haris Tabakobvic or Gift Orban, but even in that case the left wing may belong to Andrej Kramaric or the returning Alexander Prass.

“We saw last time how he can really benefit our game,” Ilzer said. “He’s a very likable lad who brings with him plenty of talent. Naturally, he still needs to get used to the intensity and pace [of this league]. We’ll take it step-by-step with him.”

GGFN | Peter Weis