S04 travel to training camp with 28 players

Soichiro Kozuki will also be in Belek. Having played for the U23s in the Regionalliga West so far, he has attracted the attention of the coaches with his strong performances in friendlies with the first team and signed a professional contract shortly before the turn of the year. Three other young talents from the academy will also take part in the training camp: Andreas Ivan, Joey Müller and Sidi Sané. The trio had already been training with the first team in recent weeks and played in the friendlies. Sidi Sané even got a taste of some Bundesliga action for a few minutes. The attacker celebrated his debut in the top flight against Bayern München in the final game before the winter break. 

Dutch Duo on board

Sepp van den Berg is also part of the group boarding the plane to Turkey. The Dutchman is back on a good path following severe ligament damage that he suffered in the home game against FC Augsburg three months ago. He is expected to return to team training in Belek step by step. His countryman Thomas Ouwejan will join him. The left-footer had to stop training in recent weeks due to an injury to a ligament in his knee. Alex Král will also be there after his back problems. The Czech international had been working individually recently, just like Ouewejan. The duo are expected to make some progress at the training camp.

Rodrigo Zalazar, meanwhile, is continuing his rehabilitation back in Gelsenkirchen after breaking his metatarsal. The same applies to Leo Greiml, who had to undergo surgery on his meniscus in the second half of October.

Timothée Kolodziejczak is another who will not be making the trip to Turkey. The sporting management and head coach Thomas Reis have decided that the defender will take part in the U23 training sessions for the time being. Nassim Boujellab will also stay in Gelsenkirchen. The midfielder, who was most recently on loan at Finnish champions HJK Helsinki, is also expected to take part in training sessions with the U23s. 

Friendlies against Zürich and Nürnberg

Two friendlies are planned during the club’s stay in Turkey. The Royal Blues will first take on Swiss champions, FC Zürich (07.01) before then taking on 1. FC Nürnberg only three days later (10.01). Both games will take place at the Titanic Deluxe Football Centre. Kick-off for both games will be 13.30 CET.