Injury delays Gladbach’s derby hero Castrop for the Cologne clash

Jens Castrop, the 23‑year‑old South Korean Nationalspieler who rose through 1. FC Köln’s academy, will miss the upcoming Köln Duell for Borussia Mönchengladbach after his shoulder surgery delayed his return to full training. The Gladbacher Derbyheld, who scored twice in a recent 3‑3 draw against Köln, is unlikely to be fit for the 11 October clash.

Early ties with Cologne

From 2015 the 23‑year‑old South Korean Nationalspieler spent his formative years in the youth squads of 1. FC Köln. He never made the jump to the senior side, prompting a Leihe later. The story, illustrated by Christian Verheyen, highlights his unique Geschichte with the region’s rivals.

Breakthrough at Nürnberg and March derby heroics

In 2022 he secured a Leihe to 1. FC Nürnberg. A year later the move became permanent. At the Club he broke through in the 2. Bundesliga, helping Nürnberg earn promotion to the Bundesliga last summer.

In March he returned to Köln as a Borussia Mönchengladbach player for the first time. The wild 3‑3 Derby saw him score two goals and set up the temporary 2‑2 equaliser.

Injury and upcoming Cologne derby dilemma

A shoulder operation later left him in rehabilitation, during which he wore a shoulder brace for several weeks. He has now removed the brace and resumed light running training. The club plans to increase his workload gradually during the international break.

A return for the 11 October Köln Duell is not realistic, according to club reports. New head coach Alexander Blessin will therefore miss Castrop for his league debut as Borussia Mönchengladbach coach. The team will have to rely on other midfield options.

Gladbach sit at the bottom of the Bundesliga table with zero points. Interim coach Jan‑Moritz Lichte previously gave chances to Florian Neuhaus, Kevin Stöger, Philipp Sander, Mathieu Nguefack and newcomer Zento Uno in midfield. Blessin therefore has sufficient personnel even without Castrop.

Castrop hopes his recovery will allow him to contribute later in the season. His intertwined Geschichte with both Cologne and Gladbach will continue to add intrigue whenever the clubs meet again.