Maik Nawrocki’s injury frustrations continue at Hannover 96

The 24-year-old signed with Hannover in early July with the German second division club offering an ideal stage to regain form and confidence, but injury issues quickly hindered his development.

The injury setback kept Nawrocki sidelined for the season’s opening matches, including Hannover’s early DFB-Pokal exit against Energie Cottbus.

The Polish defender missed the first four league matches entirely, failing to make even the bench – while Hannover carried on without him – leaving Nawrocki to watch from the sidelines. The limited playing time has only deepened the frustration for a player who had been seeking consistency following a turbulent two years in Glasgow.

There had been a minor breakthrough, as earlier this month Nawrocki earned some important playing time in a friendly match against Hamburger SV. The Celtic-loanee was in the starting lineup and featured in the first half before being substituted at half-time in a 3-1 friendly victory, marking his debut appearance in Hannover colours despite it not being a competitive match.

It remains uncertain if that appearance will kickstart his return to regular involvement within their squad. Nawrocki was signed to add experience and bolster Hannover’s defensive options, yet he has not been able to make an impact so far.

Both Hannover and Celtic will be keeping a close eye on his situation and will be hoping that Nawrocki’s competitive debut comes soon, rather than adding another disappointing chapter to his career.

His time at Celtic is clearly up. The inevitable is coming next summer when he will be sold permanently. The same can be said for Luis Palma. The summer transfer window of 2023 was disastrous and the club are still paying heavily for it.

Of all the signings brought in during that ill-considered transfer window in between Ange Postecoglou leaving and Brendan Rodgers taking over the decision making, only Yang has managed to remain in the Celtic first team plans and that’s only because of current boardroom failings this summer prevented him from completing his transfer to Birmingham City.

Conor Spence

Chris Sutton on Daizen Maeda’s form – Continues on the next page…