SK Sturm Graz enters their UEFA Europa League opener plagued by injuries.
Particularly in attack, there is a significant shortage of personnel. In addition to the injured Seedy Jatta and Leon Grgic, Otar Kiteishvili will also not be in the "Blackies'" squad for the home match against Stade Rennes (LIVE ticker NOW >>>).
Before the match, Sturm head coach Fabio Ingolitsch explained to "CANAL+" why the Georgian is missing from the squad. "He played for over 30 minutes for the first time. He knows his body best and said: it's good for him to use this day to rest and be an option again for Sunday."
Three Games a Week Are Not Yet Possible
Graz complied, "because we bear a long-term responsibility."
"These three games in one week are currently not suitable for his fitness level," Ingolitsch also noted.
This is why Stankovic is only on the bench
In addition to Kiteishvili, another key player, Jan Gorenc Stankovic, is not in the starting eleven. However, the Slovenian is at least on the bench.
According to Ingolitsch, there are two reasons for this: Firstly, Stankovic "took a real blow to the knee" against LASK. Secondly, Matoshi did really well. "And we still have Luca Weinhandl as a workhorse."
