Hamza El Kaouakibi appears to have been injured – but there has been no official statement yet.

Long break? Mystery surrounding El Kaouakibi

FC Südtirol has not yet issued an official statement. Hamza El Kaouakibi appeared in a hospital bed in a social media post – what happened?

July 25, 2026

From: cst

"Today begins a long dry spell, which I will face with patience, sacrifice, and unconditional commitment in order to return to the pitch," wrote Hamza El Kaouakibi on Friday evening under a photo showing the Moroccan FCS professional in a hospital bed at the Toniolo Clinic (Bologna). The post disappeared shortly afterward.

What happened to the defender who was one of the best players in the FCS jersey last season? El Kaouakibi is presumed to have suffered a serious injury that will sideline him for an extended period. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

Hamza El Kaouakibi posted this photo on his social media channels on Friday – and deleted it again shortly afterwards.

There is no doubt that El Kaouakibi will be out for an extended period. FC Saarbrücken declined to comment on Friday evening, but a press release is expected on Saturday. The injury is a significant blow to the club's transfer activity. On Friday, Catanzaro announced the signing of right-back Antonio Candela (from Spezia), who was also on FC Saarbrücken's wish list. Now, they might even need two new signings in that position.

Vasic is expected to move to South Tyrol.

FCS sporting director Matteo Lovisa is said to have secured the services of Aljosa Vasic. The 24-year-old Serbian (born and raised in the province of Padua) would be a top signing for the midfield. Palermo paid around two million euros for the technically gifted Serbian three years ago. Now he is expected to move from Sicily to Bolzano on loan. Together with Finn Niklas Pyyhtiä, Vasic could form a dynamic, highly talented FCS midfield that would be a force to be reckoned with in Serie B.