1. FC Heidenheim have received a significant injury boost ahead of their away match at Arminia Bielefeld, with two long-term absentees nearing a return to first-team action. Defender Leart Pacarada has taken a major step in his comeback from an ACL injury, while attacker Sirlord Conteh is expected to rejoin full team training within the next month.

The 31-year-old Pacarada, who joined Heidenheim from 1. FC Köln last season, suffered a cruciate ligament tear on his debut against Borussia Dortmund on matchday three. After surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, he has been named in the squad since matchday two of this campaign but is yet to feature. He has now gained key match practice, playing 60 minutes for the club's newly formed U21 side in a test match against Bayern Munich. "For him, something like this is very important," said head coach Frank Schmidt. "There are so many things you simply cannot replicate in training." Schmidt stressed that Pacarada must now take the final steps to reach full fitness, a process that will be aided by the upcoming two-week international break.

Conteh's Patient Recovery

Sirlord Conteh's path back to the pitch is also progressing as planned, albeit at a more measured pace. The 30-year-old forward, who scored twice in 15 appearances last season, suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee following a 2-1 home win over Augsburg. An initial operation and a comeback on matchday 15 were followed by recurring complaints, necessitating a second surgery in April. His rehabilitation has since gone well, and he is currently taking part in partial team training. Schmidt stated it was always clear the player would need a considerable amount of time. "He was the fourth-fastest player in the Bundesliga last season at 35.07 km/h," the coach noted, adding that the club is taking deliberate care to avoid a premature return. Schmidt expects Conteh to gradually integrate into full team training over the next three to four weeks.

Squad Update for Bielefeld Trip

The impending returns come at an ideal time for Heidenheim, who sit third in the 2. Bundesliga with 12 points from five games and are on a three-match winning streak. Their last result was a 1-0 victory over Holstein Kiel. For Sunday's 13:30 kick-off against 14th-placed Arminia Bielefeld, there is further squad news. Budu Zivzivadze, who missed the Kiel match through illness, is available again. Marcel Costly, who was substituted late last time out with muscular issues, and Maximilian Breuning, sidelined with a thigh muscle tear, remain unavailable.

Approximately 400 fans will travel to support the team in Bielefeld. When asked about the team's current momentum, Schmidt replied, "Yes, momentum. A few weeks ago the momentum wasn't on our side and we still won the games afterwards." The reintegration of Pacarada and Conteh could further bolster this positive feeling in the weeks ahead. The next fixture after the international break is scheduled for October 4th.

Read the full report at Heidenheimer Zeitung