The mandatory break for Aurelio Buta was unusually long: since 2018, the right-back, who came to Eintracht from Royal Antwerp in the summer of 2022, has not been able to actively practice his profession for almost two years.

A great game of patience.

In Frankfurt, the 25-year-old professional footballer had to pass almost the entire first half of the season before the newcomer, who arrived late, was substituted on last Saturday against Schalke 04 (3-0) for the final 26 minutes including injury time.

George Daniels

Editor in the sports department

  • Follow I follow

Nevertheless, Buta didn't have to think long afterwards when he was asked whether he could already do the full workload.

"Yes, I'm really fit again and can play 90 minutes," he said with a firm voice, adding dutifully as a team player: "I want to help the team as much as possible."

On the penultimate day of the first half of the season, the Portuguese with Angolan roots was able to make a successful contribution.

He crowned his promising point game debut with the goal to make it 3-0 just before the end of the game.

The beginning was made.

And now?

Little did Buta know a few minutes after the final whistle that Eric Junior Dina Ébimbe, two-time Rookie of the Month, had suffered a serious injury in the 2023 opener.

The Frenchman underwent syndesmosis ligament surgery on Monday and is out until further notice.

With Paris Saint Germain on loan, Eintracht hopes that the unlucky player will be used again this season.

No incalculable risk

For the away game this Wednesday (8.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) against Freiburg, coach Oliver Glasner now has various options to replace Dina Ébimbe.

Buta could actually make his starting eleven debut at the end of the first half of the season.

He would quickly gain match practice.

However, the Frankfurters are in an English week, which has its highlight with the top game on Saturday (6.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) at Bayern Munich.

Two 90-minute missions by Buta within four days are unlikely because the strain would be too great for him after the long break and there would be a risk of a setback.

And Glasner has never taken an incalculable risk.

When asked whether Buta was a candidate for the first eleven, the coach said on Tuesday: "I haven't made a final decision yet.

I have a few thoughts on my mind.”

If Buta were a bench player in Freiburg, Knauff could switch to the right flank, his traditional position.

In the duel with Schalke, the 21-year-old had to play on the "wrong" left side and didn't convince there.

Knauff had lost attack power and assertiveness.

Instead of the Dortmund loan player, Christopher Lenz could play on the left.

It is also conceivable that Kristijan Jakić will take the position of Dina Ébimbe.

The Croatia international would be free for the role as Tuta is expected to return to the right-back position after suffering an ankle injury.

"Tuta is a candidate for the start, he's in top form," Glasner said of the Brazilian.