El Mala and Dallinga in doubt for Köln’s Stuttgart clash

FC Köln heads into the VfB Stuttgart match with uncertainty after the kicker pointed out two key names. Said El Mala and Thijs Dallinga were involved in the goals that delivered victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday, but on Wednesday they were absent from training.

Last-minute question marks

That training absence leaves their readiness for the Friday night game up in the air. For now, neither their return nor their availability is confirmed, meaning Köln has to prepare carefully while they’re assessed.

Köln’s backup plan

While that situation is clarified, Köln can already count on planning options in Mikey Moore, who—according to the same report—can be considered for the match.

Impact on the lineup

The shift from Saturday success to a Wednesday training miss is the key factor. Köln will need decisions on El Mala and Dallinga to determine whether the attacking setup stays the same or whether it has to be reshaped for Stuttgart. As the kicker notes, the final call on who makes it will define the lineup for Friday.