Jena, 13.07.2026 – Bitter news for FC Carl Zeiss Jena shortly before the start of the new season: central defender Maxim Hessel has suffered a serious injury and will be sidelined for months.
- Affected player: Maxim Hessel (21, central defender)
- Injury: Tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Absence: Expected until the end of the year, return no earlier than 2027
- Background: Injury sustained in a friendly match against 1. FC Union Berlin
Serious diagnosis following friendly match against Union Berlin
The 21-year-old defender sustained the injury in the 88th minute of the successful friendly match against Union Berlin (we reported on the match in the article Season victory with Hessel concern). On Monday morning, an examination at the Waldklinikum Eisenberg confirmed the diagnosis: a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. Hessel will be out for the remainder of 2026.
Hessel expressed himself composed but visibly disappointed from the clinic: “The certainty of today’s diagnosis was naturally hard and difficult to process at first. But I accept the situation and will do everything in my power to return to the pitch as quickly as possible.”
Severe setback for the FCC defense
For FC Carl Zeiss Jena, this absence is a severe setback during the intense phase of pre-season preparation. Hessel had presented himself in excellent form over the past few weeks and was considered an important pillar in the plans for the upcoming season in the Regionalliga Nordost. He was on the verge of taking on a key role in the Jena backline.
Coach Marco Grote expressed deep concern regarding the bad news: “This is a hard blow – first and foremost for the young man, but also for us as a team. Maxim performed excellently in this preparation and was ready.”
Personnel alternatives and focus on the transfer market
Just ten days before the first competitive match, the coaching staff led by Grote must now reorganize the defensive line. Internal options include Malik Talabidi, who could move from the left defensive flank to the center of the defense, as well as the experienced Maurice Hehne as a direct replacement in the starting lineup. It is also not excluded that the FCC may become active on the transfer market due to the long-term absence to fill the gap in central defense.
The Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld: Home of the FCC
The home ground of FC Carl Zeiss Jena, the tradition-steeped Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld in the Jenaer Paradies, has been extensively modernized in recent years. As a pure football arena, the stadium today offers a dense atmosphere and serves as the foundation for the sporting ambitions of the traditional Thuringian club, which aims to play an important role again in the upcoming Regionalliga season.
Source:
FC Carl Zeiss Jena: Injury shock for the runners-up! Hessel out for a long time | Sport
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.