A torn ankle ligament, adductor problems, a toe injury, hamstring injuries, osteitis pubis and muscular problems: all have conspired to give us less Marco Reus in our lives than we should ever be happy with. The 27-year-old doesn’t even have 30 caps for Germany yet, which is an offense to the footballing gods.
It was always going to be difficult to match the success of his debut season with Bayer Leverkusen, but Saturday marked a new low in the professional career of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. The Mexican striker hadn’t scored a goal since October 1st, and he was looking for his first goal in seven Bundesliga matches.
With the scores level in the 88th minute of Leverkusen’s match with Freiburg, Chicharito stepped up to take the penalty that would end his goal scoring drought and reverse the fortunes of a Leverkusen club that had lost two consecutive Bundesliga matches.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
It was the best of times for Vedad Ibisevic because he scored twice in Hertha Berlin's 2-1 win over Mainz, with the second marking his 100th Bundesliga goal.
It was the worst of times for Vedad Ibisevic because, less than 10 minutes after scoring his 100th Bundesliga goal, he got a second yellow and was sent off.
When Hoffenheim appointed a 28-year-old to lead their first team, even Hoffenheim fans thought they were crazy.
Born on July 23, 1987, Julian Nagelsmann became the youngest manager in the history of the Bundesliga when appointed in February. At the time, 1899 Hoffenheim was sitting in 17th place with just two wins, and it looked like relegation was imminent. Originally considered a publicity stunt, Nagelsmann has brought his team from the brink of relegation to third in the Bundesliga, and Hoffenheim are one of just three teams undefeated at this point in the season.
In a heartwarming display of humanity, Bayern Munich played today's match in jerseys made of ocean garbage to bring awareness to the damage being done to our oceans.
Bundesliga champions Bayern München will play in jerseys made from ocean garbage this weekend to raise awareness of the pollution issue. pic.twitter.com/vkUpX5hqyL
— SoccerNews.com (@SoccerNewsFeed) November 4, 2016
Friday's game between Hertha Berlin and Borussia Monchengladbach was filled with fouls, cards and injuries. Salomon Kalou led his team to victory by scoring three goals, continuing his fine form since leaving Chelsea.
Salomon Kalou bagged a hatrick tonight against Monchengladbach.
Still got it.. pic.twitter.com/xEubBYXofD— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 4, 2016
Philipp Lahm probably doesn't care that he was left off the Ballon d'Or shortlist. He did, after all, once call the award a "popularity contest for attacking players."
Lahm, as you may have guessed, is not an attacking player. He's a fullback and defensive midfielder. He is very good at those things, but he doesn't get in on goal much.
When he does, though, look out.