Hesse: Darmstadt 98 before Heidenheim game further with personnel worries

The professionals at Darmstadt 98 no longer know the feeling of defeat.

Hesse: Darmstadt 98 before Heidenheim game further with personnel worries

The professionals at Darmstadt 98 no longer know the feeling of defeat. That should remain the case after the guest appearance with the pursuer in Heidenheim.

Darmstadt (dpa/lhe) - Leaders Darmstadt 98 are still plagued by personnel worries before the top game in the 2nd Bundesliga with third-placed 1. FC Heidenheim. The Hessians will definitely have to do without the long-term injuries Patric Pfeiffer, Tobias Kempe and Aaron Seydel on Saturday (8.30 p.m. / Sky and Sport1) and are also worried about the use of Braydon Manu and Jannik Müller. "It's a risk assessment for both of them. We'll wait and see tomorrow and then decide whether they're part of the squad," said Darmstadt coach Torsten Lieberknecht on Thursday.

Matthias Bader and Klaus Gjasula are returning to the squad, but after a long break due to injury, they are only suitable for short assignments. In addition, Christoph Zimmermann (flu infection) and Marvin Mehlem (adductors) were ailing during the week. However, Lieberknecht is counting on their commitment: "I assume that both of them will be there on Saturday."

The Hessians, unbeaten in 21 league games, travel to their rivals with a cushion of six points and want to at least defend this lead. "We're having fun raking in points," said Lieberknecht. In order to do this on Saturday, you need "the same attitude, intensity and willingness as against HSV". The lilies had split 1-1 from second-placed Hamburg last week.

Lieberknecht is not surprised that Heidenheim is also involved in the fight for promotion to the Bundesliga alongside HSV. "It's not unexpected for me to find you again in this area of ​​the table. There's a squad on the road where everyone is there for everyone," said the 49-year-old.

The respect for Heidenheim's attacker Tim Kleindienst, who has 15 goals this season so far, is particularly respectful. 2nd league leads. "We have to stop him as a team and prevent him from being fed with crosses. Because he has incredible quality in the air and is the best header in the league for me. So he's not easy to defend, but we want it as a team," said Lieberknecht.