Bundesliga: Mainz newcomer Martel has suffered an injury to his inner belt

FSV Mainz 05 will have to sit out several weeks without their new signing Eric Martel after he suffered an inner ligament injury during a friendly match. The club announced the injury on August 1, 2026, confirming that the central midfielder sustained the damage while playing against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in a training camp held in Tyrol. The exact duration of his absence will depend on the healing process. The incident occurred during a match that Mainz won 1–0. Martel attempted a shot to block an opponent’s effort and twisted his right knee in the process. He was substituted immediately after the play, though he managed to walk off the pitch unaided. The 24-year-old joined Mainz this summer from Bundesliga rivals 1. FC Cologne, having previously represented Germany's under-21 national team. Mainz’s head coach, Urs Fischer, has been preparing the squad for upcoming fixtures. The team’s first competitive game in three weeks is set for the opening round of the DFB-Pokal, where they will face VfB Krieschow from Brandenburg. Just one week later, Mainz will host newly promoted side SC Paderborn in their Bundesliga debut. Martel’s injury comes at a critical time for the club as they aim to build momentum in both domestic competitions. His presence in midfield could be vital given the challenges posed by teams such as Paderborn, which has shown promise in its first season in the top flight. The loss of a key player adds pressure on the coaching staff to adapt quickly and maintain consistency in performance. The friendly match against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai took place as part of Mainz’s pre-season preparations in Tyrol. The location was chosen to provide players with varied conditions and to simulate different types of matches ahead. While the outcome of the game was positive for Mainz, the injury to Martel highlights the physical demands placed on athletes even during non-competitive games. The club has not yet released further medical details regarding the severity of the injury, but it is understood that Martel will require specialist care and rehabilitation. This type of injury typically involves a period of rest followed by gradual return to training. The timing of his recovery will influence how soon he can contribute to the team’s campaign. As the Bundesliga season approaches, Mainz faces the challenge of managing their roster effectively. With multiple matches on the horizon, the coaching staff must ensure that other players step up to fill the void left by Martel’s absence. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the team can maintain its competitive edge despite the setback.