FSV Mainz 05 will be without several key players for the important Rhein-Main derby against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. On Monday, there was a detailed look at the current injury situation within the carnival club. The Nullfünfer head into the match with momentum, following a convincing 5-0 victory in Hamburg last weekend, sitting fifth in the Bundesliga with four points from two matches.
The list of currently injured players is long and affects key positions. According to verified data from September 8, 2026, besides the mentioned players, Dominik Kohr and Silas are also unavailable. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner and full-back Silvan Widmer are among the most experienced figures in the squad, and their absence is particularly felt. Midfielder Eric Martel and young attacker Brajan Gruda, referred to as Hollerbach, are also in the treatment room. A precise return prognosis for the mentioned individuals was not provided.
The current injury list is always up-to-date on our injuries page. Zentner's absence means the responsibility in goal will again fall to his deputy. However, the defense has been convincing in the first two league games, not conceding a single goal yet. With five goals scored and a perfect goal difference of +5, coach Bo Svensson's team is showing strong early-season form.
Despite the personnel shortages, Mainz can approach the clash with their neighbor with plenty of confidence. The clear victory in Hamburg provided a moral boost. Also, Eintracht Frankfurt finds itself in 13th place after the first two matchdays, while Mainz 05 trails surprise leaders FC Augsburg by just two points. This setup makes the home game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. A major opportunity to continue the positive streak.
The tactical approach will have to be tailored to the available players. The defensive line, which has harmonized perfectly so far, may need adjustments. The derby experience of players like Widmer is naturally missed in such emotional encounters. However, the full squad overview shows the depth the club can rely on during this phase.
The first home derby of the season is always a special highlight. A victory could even see Mainz 05 temporarily move to the top of the table, depending on other results. The team has already made a statement with its strong start to the campaign. With four points from two games and a defense yet to be breached, Mainz 05 has the second-best defense in the league. This strength must now be proven against the traditionally strong rival from Frankfurt.
The upcoming fixtures reveal a challenging period after the derby. That makes it all the more important to reinforce the positive momentum with another positive result. The fans at the Mewa Arena will undoubtedly support their team vocally on Saturday to secure a third season win. The Rhein-Main derby takes place in Mainz on September 12, 2026.
