One could get the idea that the FSV Mainz 05 strikers didn't want to give their coach too much trouble with the composition of the first eleven by having too many choices.

Two or three of them have alternately signed off injured or ill in the past few weeks, and now that there is at least a quartet available in addition to the ailing youngster Marlon Mustapha, Delano Burgzorg pulls out.

Again, I have to say.

Because coach Bo Svensson has canceled the Dutchman for the second time this season for disciplinary reasons, that applied to the cup game in Lübeck on Tuesday evening, and it applies to the Bundesliga game against 1. FC Köln on Friday evening (8.30 p.m. in the FAZ -Live ticker for the Bundesliga and on DAZN) in the Arena am Europakreisel.

Svensson remained silent about the reasons for this penalty at the press conference on Thursday.

According to information from the FAZ, Burgzorg showed up late for the final training session on Monday, he hadn't really listened when the time was called - like before the Hertha game five weeks ago.

In this respect, it so happens that three players are currently the first choice for the top positions: the top runner and dribbler Burkardt, who has recovered from his infection but was rested in Lübeck, the massive Karim Onisiwo and Marcus Ingvartsen, who played in three consecutive competitive games scored once – in the 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig, in the 2-0 win in Bremen and in the cup.

In Bremen, the Dane also had remarkable statistics.

There he recorded only 20 ball contacts during his 67-minute game, but was involved in both goals.

He scored the first himself, and initiated the second from midfield with the penultimate pass.

Lack of pace

"He has to get better in the build-up and in the transition game, hold the balls even better," says Svensson about his compatriot.

"But we know what he's giving us.

Marcus always has a feel for his position in the penalty area.

When we get to the last third and he's on the pitch, he's not easy to defend." In contrast to critics, who rate Ingvartsen's pressing behavior as not aggressive enough, he was always satisfied with his work against the ball.

"He makes a lot of meters, works hard for the team, starts well and also closes the spaces."

What the 26-year-old struggles with are games with long distances to the opposing sixteen.

He lacks the pace to come into his own without scenes in the penalty area.

"And the injury history is added to that," says Svensson.

So far, Ingvartsen has not been able to train and play consistently over a long period of time - otherwise his Mainz record would probably be even more impressive with 11 goals in 33 competitive games, mostly scored from substitutions.