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SportsSt. Pauli's Metcalfe returns injured from World Cup, posing problem for coach Rapp
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FC St. Pauli midfielder Connor Metcalfe has returned to Hamburg injured after the World Cup and home leave, suffering from muscular problems that prevented him from participating in team training. The 26-year-old Australian national player, who scored his first World Cup goal in a group match against Turkey, now presents a new challenge for coach Marcel Rapp. Metcalfe has a history of muscular and knee issues, having missed 35 competitive matches over the last two seasons. Despite a strong World Cup performance as a regular starter for Australia, his league playing time at St. Pauli last season was limited to 576 minutes. The injury comes at a bitter time as the new season begins, especially after Metcalfe played a key role in the club's Bundesliga promotion in the 2023/24 season with 30 appearances, three goals, and five assists. Rapp will not take risks with the player given his injury history, and the club hopes for a swift recovery.
Source report
Three Australians were expected to take the pitch on Wednesday. In reality, only two were present:
- Jackson Irvine (33) completed his first laps after the World Cup and special leave.
- Sam Klein (22) has largely overcome his adductor problems and was able to complete a running session.
- Connor Metcalfe (26) was absent.
A small Australia shock at the start of the season for St. Pauli: National player Connor Metcalfe returned to Hamburg injured after the World Cup and home leave. The midfield engine is suffering from muscular problems and was therefore unable to take part in team training. This presents a new problem for coach Marcel Rapp (47).
FC St. Pauli: Rapp Now Has a Problem!
The coach must wait to see how serious Metcalfe's injury is. Rapp will not take any risks with the Australian, knowing his history. Over the last two seasons, Metcalfe has suffered multiple muscular and knee problems, missing a total of 35 competitive matches.
It is a bitter blow for Metcalfe that the new season begins with problems again, especially after he played a strong World Cup. In the group match against Turkey (2-0), he scored his first World Cup goal. He was a regular starter for Australia, despite a mixed league record at FC St. Pauli with only 576 minutes of playing time last season.
Metcalfe would love to build on his strongest second division series at St. Pauli under Rapp, when he played in 30 games during the promotion season 2023/24, recording three goals and five assists. He played a major part in the club's Bundesliga promotion. With this early injury, the start is now anything but ideal. The hope remains that he can get fully involved as soon as possible. Otherwise, Rapp has a big problem.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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St. Pauli's Connor Metcalfe Returns Injured from World Cup, Posing Problem for Coach Rapp