For Dynamo Dresden, the upcoming league match against VfL Osnabrück has taken a back seat due to Thomas Keller’s health situation. The 25-year-old suffered a concussion during the 2-2 draw in Braunschweig. It is currently completely unclear when the center back will be able to return to the field.
Injury During Crucial Equalizer
Ironically, it was during Dresden’s equalizing goal that the fateful incident occurred. Keller won a header and collided with two Braunschweig players in the process. Both Kevin Ehlers and goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann were involved in the collision.
After the final whistle, Keller was initially still able to give interviews. The symptoms apparently didn’t develop until later, once the immediate tension of the game had subsided. That’s when the typical symptoms of a concussion became more pronounced.
Dynamo coach Thomas Stamm therefore doesn’t want to take any risks. For him, it doesn’t matter whether Keller will be fit in time for the match in Osnabrück. The only thing that matters is that the player makes a full recovery.
Stamm is giving Keller all the time he needs
There is no set timeline for his return. Keller is to be given the rest he needs and must regain the confidence that he is ready to play. In addition, the medical staff will assess whether a return to the soccer field is already safe.
Stamm emphasizes that special caution is required with head injuries. While a quick recovery is possible, it cannot be reliably predicted. For this reason, a return to action in Osnabrück is currently neither ruled out nor firmly planned.
The Pauli Example Highlights the Risks
The example of Julian Pauli illustrates just how long-lasting the consequences of a concussion can be. The 21-year-old suffered such an injury while playing for 1. FC Köln and was subsequently sidelined for several months. In the spring, after his transfer to Dynamo, he suffered another concussion.
This is another reason why nothing should be rushed with Keller. Dynamo does not want to take any unnecessary risks and will only play the defender again once he is fully fit.
For Thomas Stamm, the order of priorities is clear: First, Keller must be fully healthy again; then it’s time to focus on soccer. Whether he’ll be ready in time for the Osnabrück match remains to be seen—and ultimately, that’s not the most important factor for the Dynamo coach.
