FC St. Pauli, currently at the bottom of the league, is facing a worsening personnel situation just before their critical relegation «final» against VfL Wolfsburg.
A widespread stomach virus has sidelined four key players from Tuesday’s training: Eric Smith, Hauke Wahl, David Nemeth, and Louis Oppie. Their availability for the decisive final matchday showdown is uncertain.
While St. Pauli’s club reported that Smith’s absence was a precautionary measure, it remains unclear if the Swedish player will be able to rejoin training later in the week. Additionally, captain Jackson Irvine was absent from training, as he has been in recent weeks, to manage his workload.
St. Pauli was already affected by a stomach virus around their previous match against RB Leipzig (1:2). Following that game, coach Alexander Blessin announced for the week leading up to the season finale: «We need to separate the sick players and ensure that no more players get infected.»
St. Pauli Already Missing Four Key Players Against Wolfsburg
On a more positive note, Adam Dzwigala, who missed the Leipzig game, returned to training. However, Manolis Saliakas and Karol Mets are out with muscle injuries, while James Sands (ankle surgery) and Mathias Pereira Lage (cruciate ligament tear) are definite absentees against Wolfsburg. These four players represent significant potential starters.
St. Pauli enters the final matchday level on points with Wolfsburg and 1. FC Heidenheim (who play FSV Mainz 05) at the bottom of the Bundesliga table.