Confidence in the squad: Cologne coach Kwasniok defies absences

Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok is optimistic about the next Bundesliga clash despite the latest injury layoffs. "I hope that all good things come in threes," said the 44-year-old ahead of the home game against RB Leipzig on Sunday (3.30pm/Sky), alluding to a possible third consecutive home win for Cologne.

The fact that two players, attacker Linton Maina and full-back Alessio Castro-Montes, are once again missing, "I'm sorry for the boys because they've been in good form recently", emphasized Kwasniok, "but I trust the squad, now others have the chance to prove themselves".

However, the soccer coach did not reveal too much about the line-up against Leipzig, who have lost twice recently. Just this much: Joel Schmied will return to the team - albeit not as a starting eleven option.

New signing not in starting eleven

And new signing Felipe Chavez from FC Bayern Munich will also not start. "He has tremendous game intelligence paired with good activity with and without the ball," said Kwasniok. "But it will be a long way to goal against Leipzig. I don't expect us to play a ball-dominant game. I wouldn't be doing the player any favors. He can drive the game from the back."