Relegation-threatened Bundesliga outfit FC St. Pauli head into the winter break with both lead strikers suffering from injury problems. Dutch forward Martijin Kaars – who finally helped Hamburg’s Kiezkicker snap their long winless run against Heidenheim last weekend – was unable to start against Mainz 05 yesterday. St. Pauli again failed to generate much impetus in attack during the seventh league fixture in which they failed to score a goal this season.

Andreas Hountondji also having injury issues

Kaars’ fellow summer addition has been rehabbing a thigh injury and opted to decline a call up to represent Benin at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. Hountondji returned to the starting XI to replace Kaars, but had to be subbed off in the 58th minute due to issues with his ankle. FSCP head coach Alexander Blessin noted that the 23-year-old has been struggling with several minor injuries when speaking at the post-match press conference.

Martijin Kaars scheduled for MRI

Blessin also confirmed that Kaars is scheduled for a Monday MRI that will shed additional light on a muscle injury in his adductor area. A muscle-cluster tear or something more severe could potentially sideline the 26-year-old for 4-6 weeks. Should both Hountondji and Kaars look to be sidelined once Bundesliga play resumes on January 9th, St. Pauli may have to look towards picking up another attack during the coming January transfer window.