Eric Smith
PAUSweden
Right
Jan 8, 1997
29
6'4"
190 lb
CB
CM
Driving Centre Back
St. PauliMakes bench Saturday
Smith (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Heidenheim.
Analysis: Smith resumed full training Thursday, recovering in time to earn a spot in the squad following a several weeks' absence with a calf issue. Manager Alexander Blessin had expressed optimism about his availability, but St. Pauli opted to take a cautious approach given the length of the layoff rather than throwing him straight back into the starting lineup. The versatile defender has been in the XI in each of his 24 Bundesliga appearances this season, tallying two goals and two assists, and his return to the starting role is expected to follow as he builds his fitness back up.
Taking part in training
Smith (calf) has resumed training and could be an option for Saturday's game at Heidenheim, according to manager Alexander Blessin. "We'll have to see about Eric; he was out for three and a half weeks. But he looked relatively good, and I'm optimistic that he'll be available for Saturday."
Analysis: Smith was absent from training Wednesday, but he resumed full training Thursday, meaning he could be an option for the weekend. Given that the wing-back has been out for multiple weeks, however, St. Pauli could take a cautious approach with his potential return to the squad. Smith has been a regular starter when healthy, though, as he's been in the XI in each of his 24 Bundesliga appearances this term, tallying two goals and two assists.
Still absent from training
Smith (calf) has missed team training for another consecutive day and is a serious doubt for Saturday's clash against Heidenheim, according to Mopo.
Analysis: Smith has been sidelined for one month with a calf muscle injury and was further set back by a bout of illness, making his return to the training pitch increasingly unlikely before the weekend. The Swedish defender is one of St. Pauli's most important pieces in the back line and coach Alexander Blessin acknowledged the situation is delicate, noting that with fewer games remaining, the club may need to take more risks to get him back. Tomoya Ando is expected to take on a larger role in his continued absence as St. Pauli head into a crucial relegation battle clash against Heidenheim.
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