SC Freiburg: Ritsu Doan ruled out for cup match

Japanese winger set to miss Round of 16 DFB-Pokal clash against Sandhausen due to thigh injury

Doan picked up the knock in Freiburg's recent Bundesliga victory over Stuttgart

SC Freiburg will be without Ritsu Doan for their DFB-Pokal Round of 16 clash against Sandhausen on Tuesday. The Japanese winger has been ruled out of the match due to a thigh injury.

Doan picked up the knock in Freiburg's recent 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Stuttgart. The 24-year-old was forced off the pitch in the first half of the match and has not featured for the club since.

Freiburg coach Christian Streich confirmed Doan's absence from the Sandhausen match in a press conference on Monday. Streich said that the winger is still feeling some pain in his thigh and is not yet ready to return to action.

Doan's absence is a blow to Freiburg, who are looking to reach the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal for the first time since 2016. The Japanese winger has been a key player for Freiburg this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

Freiburg will also be without Roland Sallai for the Sandhausen match. The Hungarian winger is suspended after picking up a red card in Freiburg's last DFB-Pokal match.

Despite the absences of Doan and Sallai, Freiburg are still expected to be too strong for Sandhausen. The Bundesliga side are currently sixth in the league table, while Sandhausen are 16th in the 2. Bundesliga.