19.04.2007, 03:50
Kiel Troubled by Injuries

There are problem on the Kiel side, but the current form of the team keeps the squad optimistic.

Kiel Troubled by Injuries

THW Kiel suffer from serious injury problems before the first leg of the Champions League finals against their North German neighbours and rivals, SG Flensburg Handewitt.

Coach Zvonimir “Noka” Serdarusic will be missing no less than four of his strongest players on Sunday afternoon in the Campushalle.

The latest loss for Kiel is Swedish international and experienced backcourt player Stefan Lövgren, who picked up a serious thigh injury in the German Cup final against Kronau Östringen. It is unknown when he would be able to return.

“He will be practically impossible to replace,” was the immediate comment from Serdarusic on learning that Lövgren would be out for both CL finals.

Manager Uwe Schwenker commented: “Taking in consideration our injury problems, Flensburg must be considered favourites from now on.”

Apart from Lövgren, Danish left back Lars Krogh Jeppesen is sidelined for the rest of the season with a back injury, while Austrian playmaker Viktor Szilágyi and Swedish pivot Marcus Ahlm are also out with long-term injuries.

Kiel remain confident

In spite of the severe injury problems, however, the fit Kiel players will be looking forward to the Champions League finals with confidence after all.

Last weekend “The Zebras” won the prestigious German Cup. At the so-called “Final Four” – the semi-finals and finals played at the same weekend – in Hamburg Kiel won the semi-final 34-33 against Flensburg. Kiel also won in the final against Kronau Östringen the following day 33-31.

This may give the current number one in the Bundesliga a psychological advantage for the two Champions League finals that causes handball fever in North Germany.

TEXT: Peter Bruun