“He has a bruise on his face” – Hoffenheim manager Hoeneß discuss extent of Super Eagles star’s injury

Hoffenheim secured one of the biggest wins of the opening weekend of the Bundesliga but had their celebrations dampened by an injury to one of their key defenders

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim manager Sebastian Hoeneß has waived off any fears that Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma suffered a severe long-term injury during the league clash at Augsburg.

Akpoguma was involved in a collision with Augsburg’s Brazilian full-back Iago Amaral Borduchi midway into the second half of their league opener. The Nigerian defender came off worse of that coming together, with Iago shaking off the effect and continuing the match while the 26-year-old had to be replaced by Diadie Samassekou in the 73rd minute.

Hoffenheim eventually claimed a convincing 4-0 victory over their hosts, but worries remained regarding the extent of the injury suffered by Akpoguma.

However, TSG head coach Hoeneß brushed off those concerns during his post-match press conference.

“I assume that Akpo has no serious injury,” he said. “He has a bruise on his face; I hope that he will be available again quickly.”

Akpoguma has had his fair share of injuries in his career with his many troubles the chief reason why he made just 14 league starts in the Bundesliga last campaign.

The Nigerian international would hope to be back for his German side when they file out against Taiwo Awoniyi’s Union Berlin in their next league clash.