Mainz updates: Jenz remains out for two weeks, Bungert reveals Burkardt insisted on playing

In a post-match interview with German broadcaster DAZN, Henriksen confirmed that central defender Moritz Jenz would remain out through the international break. It thus counts as certain that Bell will be called upon against Dortmund in the league next weekend. 

Injury problems continue to plague the Mainzer defensive corps. It was not all that long ago that availability issues forced Henriksen to turn to Jenz in the first place. There was nevertheless some unexpected good news in the FSV attack on Sunday. 

Newly capped German international Jonathan Burkardt – forced off injured just nine days ago against Gladbach –  surprisingly featured in the starting XI. Henriksen praised the 24-year-old for his tenacity, even if Burkardt could only play the first 45 minutes. 

“He was amazing,” Henriksen said when reflecting on Burkardt’s training week during his DAZN interview, “He gave me a call and did everything he needed to do. What an incredible guy!” 

FSV sporting director Nico Bungert offered up some more specifics. According to the club administrator, Burkardt insisted on playing despite the risks of re-aggravating his injury. It was still agreed upon that the former Germany U21 captain would only play one half. 

“We were a bit surprised with how insistent he was about wanting to play,” Bungert said, “We weighed the risks and left it up to him. We gave him a chance to log some minutes and [his start] sent an important signal to the team.” 

Bungert noted that – should everything proceed well in training this week – Burkardt should be ready to start against Dortmund next weekend, noting that “in six days’ time, everything should be fine.”