Injury and Fitness Woes Cloud Hannover 96's Promotion Push Ahead of Crucial Matches

Hannover 96 faces mounting injury and fitness challenges as they gear up for an important match against Karlsruher SC this Friday. Their top scorer Benjamin Källman, who netted twice in their recent 2-0 win over Paderborn, missed training due to illness, creating uncertainty about his availability just three days before the game. Coach Christian Titz is particularly concerned about Källman’s condition considering his eight goals this season. Meanwhile, defender Maik Nawrocki had to leave training early with a bandaged left leg; the nature of his injury remains unclear.

On a positive note, Benedikt Pichler returned to full training after recovering from illness and a previous knee injury, and winger Husseyn Chakroun is back in training following an ankle problem that kept him out of recent matches. Maurice Neubauer, sidelined for four weeks with a muscle tear, participated in an integration session, but his readiness for Friday remains doubtful.

This fitness uncertainty comes despite the morale-boosting victory over Paderborn that halted a poor run and saw praise from Paderborn's coach, Ralf Kettemann, who called Hannover the best team he'd seen this season. However, some key players like Ime Okon, Waniss Taibi, and William Kokolo were absent from the lineup during that game, reflecting ongoing squad issues.

With just four matches before the Christmas break and 12 points still up for grabs, Hannover 96 aims to harness their victory momentum while managing these injury concerns as they keep their promotion hopes alive.