Imad Rondic made a surprising Bundesliga comeback for FC Koln in the 4-1 loss at Stuttgart. The 27-year-old midfielder, who had been training alone since mid-July, came on in the 90th minute for Tom Krauß. Bild reported on the matchday incident. Rondic's brief appearance ended with a conceded goal when his headed clearance from a throw-in fell to Vagnoman, who scored from 18 meters.

The injury situation forced coach Rene Wagner into unusual personnel decisions. Besides Rondic, Sebastian Sebulonsen, Thijs Dallinga, Timo Hübers and Said El Mala are currently sidelined. These absences are documented in our injuries list. The 38-year-old Wagner explained his reasons for selecting the previously discarded player after the match.

Why did Wagner select Rondic?

Rene Wagner stressed he wanted to send a message to the team. "Imad has busted his ass for eight weeks," the Cologne coach told Bild. "Players who leave their heart on the pitch, are in individual training and never give up, always try to get the best out of every day, they deserve to be in our Bundesliga squad." Wagner wanted to reward effort, even though Rondic's sporting future at FC remains unclear.

The coach added: "Whether that's enough for further appearances, I don't know." Wagner implemented this philosophy despite the heavy defeat and the strained personnel situation.

What is Rondic's current situation at FC?

Imad Rondic has a contract with FC Koln that runs until 2029. Former sporting director Christian Keller, now 49, brought the Bosnian to the Rhine in January 2025 on a 4.5-year deal. So far, Rondic has made nine Bundesliga appearances and scored one goal for the Billy Goats. Last season he spent on loan at Raków Częstochowa before moving to Preußen Münster in winter.

No new club was found in summer. Since mid-July, Rondic has therefore trained alone. He only returned to team training on the Wednesday before the Stuttgart match. A long-term future in Cologne's Bundesliga squad is considered unlikely. His comeback was a direct result of injuries to forwards like Thijs Dallinga and Luca Waldschmidt, as well as young Said El Mala.

What's next for FC Koln?

The defeat in Stuttgart burdens the record ahead of the next important match. FC Koln host Werder Bremen at home in the RheinEnergieSTADION on September 12, 2026. This clash is part of the current fixtures schedule. The Billy Goats must stabilize their defense after conceding four goals.

Personnel worries remain acute. Besides the long-term injured players, several key actors were missing in Stuttgart. The return of Timo Hübers to central defense would be an important step. Rene Wagner's team is under pressure to pick up points in the coming weeks to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. The current league situation can be tracked in the standings.

Rondic's contract binds him to the club for another three years. His salary burdens the budget, although he contributes little to sporting success. FC Koln may have to negotiate an early contract termination or another loan in the winter transfer period. Until then, the 27-year-old remains part of the squad, even if his playing time is likely to be limited. The next home game against Werder Bremen takes place on September 12.