Karlsruhe (dpa / lsw) - With 24 players, second division soccer team Karlsruher SC resumed training on Sunday morning. Sporting director Oliver Kreuzer has not yet been able to present a replacement for Philipp Hofmann, who has switched to VfL Bochum, to the 250 fans on the training ground, but he expects a solution in the near future. "We are in close contact with three or four players. It would be desirable and sensible for the new man to be there at the latest when he leaves for the training camp," said Kreuzer. It is even possible that the club will sign a second striker.
All three previous newcomers were there at the start of the pre-season. Goalkeeper Kai Eisele (Fortuna Düsseldorf), central defender Marcel Franke (Hannover 96) and winger Kelvin Arase (Rapid Wien) donned the KSC jersey, as did Tim Rossmann from the club's junior division.
Coach Christian Eichner, on the other hand, will have to do without central defender Daniel O'Shaughnessy for a long time, who, according to team doctor Marcus Schweizer, broke his fibula on Saturday. "By the time he's ready for action again, it could be October," said Kreuzer about the Finn's serious injury.
Goalkeeper Marius Gersbeck, central defender Christoph Kobald and right-back Sebastian Jung were also absent on Sunday due to injury. The trio is expected back in September.
