Mainz 05 have been forced to look for a new striker in the January transfer window as Jonathan Burkardt’s injury will take longer to heal than expected, according to Kicker.
The German U21 international has been key to much of the success at Mainz. Last season, the forward scored 11 Bundesliga goals as Bo Svensson’s side finished 8th just outside the European places.
However, it was announced on Thursday that Burkardt will not travel to Spain with the team as they head off on their training camp. Instead, the youngster will stay in Munich undergoing rehabilitation. This came as a surprise to some as it was planned for the 22-year-old would travel and be with the team.
This has caused Mainz to keep their eyes on the transfer market for a suitable replacement. Head coach Bo Svensson confirms: “We saw how it is when Jonny and later Marcus Ingvartsen were missing. There can always be someone missing, so even if Jonny is back it’s a bit tight. We have to see if we can still find someone that suits us.”
Mainz are currently 10th in the table and six points off 6th position. Their Bundesliga campaign restarts away to VfB Stuttgart on January 21st.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
