Caci’s availability could leave Henriksen with big decision ahead of Frankfurt clash

Die Nullfunfer’s are sweating over the fitness of Anthony Caci ahead of a season-defining fixture on Matchday 32.

Fears of a bad injury sustained by Anthony Caci last weekend were allayed with news of a sprained ankle, the Mainz man is still in a race to be fit. 

Head coach Bo Henriksen was forced to replace Caci in the 28th-minute on Saturday during their 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich. 

Should the French full-back be forced to sit out against Eintracht Frankfurt this Sunday, Henriksen would be left with two options.

Nikolas Veratschnig replaced Caci last weekend and Kicker notes the Austrian is more attacking with 0.80xAssists and 1.5 shots per 90 while possessing blistering pace.

Alternatively, the experienced Silvan Widmer could be another route as the Swiss defender boasts greater defensive solidity with his 46.2% tackle success rate. 

One thing is certain – the outcome of the Rhine-Main derby against Frankfurt could be telling in the Bundesliga race for European football. 

A Frankfurt win would effectively seal their place in the Champions League while a Mainz victory could place them in a Europa League spot if other results go their way.