Mainz 05 have eased concerns over Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer after the Ghana international suffered a facial injury during the club’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Kaiserslautern.
The 24-year-old forward was involved in a heavy collision with Kaiserslautern goalkeeper Yannick Onohiol while contesting a high ball, taking a strong blow to the face that caused significant bleeding from his nose.
Konigsdorffer received treatment on the pitch before being substituted as a precaution.
Mainz optimistic after initial assessment
Despite the worrying nature of the incident, Mainz have indicated that the injury does not appear to be serious.
The striker later returned to the sidelines to watch the remainder of the match, providing an encouraging sign that the setback was not as severe as first feared.
Sporting director Niko Bungert admitted the challenge had caused concern within the club.
“It really shocked everyone.”
However, Bungert said initial examinations suggested the injury was unlikely to keep the Ghanaian out for an extended period.
Further checks planned
Mainz will continue to assess Konigsdorffer to determine whether he sustained a minor nasal fracture.
Even so, Bungert stressed that the injury does not currently appear to be “very, very dramatic,” with no indication of a long-term problem.
The positive early diagnosis means Mainz remain confident the forward will continue to play an important role in their preparations for the new Bundesliga season after avoiding what initially looked like a serious injury.
