The reserves from the Mainz match on the weekend had a full training session to start the week on Tuesday. Matthias Lehmann could not take part.

The 1. FC Köln players began a new week of training on Tuesday. While the starters from Sunday took part in a regeneration session indoors, the reserves were seen out on the pitch. U19 players Birk Risa, Beyhan Ametov, and Hikmet Ciftci were joined by U21 goalkeeper Matthias Hamrol. Meanwhile, Matthias Lehmann was missing from the group. “He is not doing as well as we would like. Nothing drastic happened but he is feeling some pain. This is why, as a precaution, he will be taking on a lighter workload this week,” said Peter Stöger.

Leonardo Bittencourt is on a positive track back to full fitness. On Sunday he was the lone substitute to feature when he appeared in the 74th minute. In Tuesday’s training session the diminutive midfielder looked sharp and engaged. “I like to be careful with returning players, but I also do not want to hold them back. He is doing well and I believe seeing some time on the pitch on Sunday was good for him,” said Stöger.

1. FC Köln will play on the road this weekend against SV Darmstadt 98. Kick off is scheduled for 15:30 on Saturday.