Initiation of training commenced on January 1st at Union. A full complement of 24 trainees participated. However, the absence of five professionals was noted, surprisingly including Max Kruse (33).
The former national team member celebrated New Year’s Eve in Miami, as evidenced by his Instagram posts. Kruse and his spouse, Dilara, visited their son, Lauro Maxim, residing in the United States. The Union player is scheduled to participate in his first Köpenick training session on Sunday, following discussions with club officials.
Meanwhile, teammate Kevin Behrens (30) and newly acquired defender Dominique Heintz (28, Freiburg) were granted an extended holiday. Behrens had a prior commitment. Heintz’s leave aligned with his previous schedule at Freiburg.
Therefore, Kruse received additional time off. He was previously granted a day’s respite between matches against Freiburg (0-0) and Bochum (1-0), due to his wedding. This arrangement is acceptable to Fischer: “All aspects have been agreed upon. These matters remain confidential. “
Conversely, some reserve players who consistently train may harbor resentment. However, Kruse’s privileged status is justified by his consistent high performance. In the Bochum match, he netted the winning goal. A similar contribution is anticipated from him in the upcoming league opener on Saturday, January 8th, in Leverkusen.
Midfielders Pawel Wszolek (29) and Rani Khedira (27) were unintentionally absent from the training commencement due to a COVID-19 infection. Wszolek remains in quarantine in Poland until January 5th. Khedira also tested positive for COVID-19 during the holiday season, though he is now asymptomatic. He expects to test negative early next week.
Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/unions-rani-khedira-r–hat-sich-mit-dem-corona-virus-infiziert-753b310e8a384503827b7d601a6eb2f5-78697684/Bild/1 .bild.jpg “/> Union’s Rani Khedira (r.) contracted the coronavirus.Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa
