Justin Diehl, the German-born Ghanaian youngster from FC Köln, is on the road to recovery after a muscle injury in his thigh that he sustained in early March.
The 19-year-old has recently started running training, raising hopes for his return to the field. However, FC Köln's head coach, Timo Schultz, has cautioned against high expectations, stating that Diehl is still a considerable distance away from rejoining team training and making a comeback.
Schultz revealed that Diehl is expected to undergo a final check-up in the coming days, after which he can be gradually reintegrated into the team. However, the trainer estimated that this process would take at least two to three weeks, meaning Diehl will undoubtedly miss the matches in Munich, against Darmstadt, and in Mainz.
"He will hopefully have his final check-up in the next few days and can then be gradually brought back," he told GEISSBLOG.
"We're talking at least two to three weeks," Schultz added.
While a substitute appearance in the final stretch of the season could be a possibility, it remains uncertain when exactly Diehl will be able to aid the Rhinelanders, who are currently facing the threat of relegation.
Given that the attacking talent is set to leave on a free transfer in the summer, with his contract expiring and a likely move to VfB Stuttgart for the new season, it is possible that he will only play a few more games and minutes for FC Köln in the end.