Due to toe injury

Dornbirn’s captain reluctantly left the team

Head defender William Rodrigues was a reluctant substitute against Vienna.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

FC Dornbirn celebrated their fourth win in a row against Vienna and now have a real chance of staying in the league again. Captain William Rodrigues was not on the pitch; the Brazilian had to take a break due to a toe injury. Something the defensive boss is very reluctant to do.

William Rodrigues is one of those captains who would be the very last to abandon ship. That's why he was keen to return to action at home against Vienna, even though he had suffered a painful toe injury in Amstetten the previous matchday. "Nothing is broken, I took a day off and then trained again," said the Brazilian, "I had hoped that I might be okay against Vienna."

Very painful, but nothing broken - William Rodrigues doesn't let his crunchy blue toes slow him down for long.(Bild: Privat)

In the end, he was - sensibly - spared by coach Eric Orie, and fortunately it was enough for a win against the capital team without the defensive boss. "But he'll soon be available again," said the Dornbirn coach happily, "which is good, because our list of absentees is getting longer."

Anteo Fetahu picked up his fifth yellow card against Vienna and must now serve a suspension. Mateusinho is also missing, having seen a straight red on Friday - without justification. Jakob Odehnal is also likely to be out for longer. The goalkeeper suffered a broken nose in stoppage time as a result of an assault by Viennas Boateng. "I hope he can still return this season," says Orie, "and in the meantime, others will have to step up. We still have a strong squad."

Small final fought for
Which is now also equipped with self-confidence. In four games, the gap to 13th place has shrunk from 13 to just four points. And Stripfing, their direct rivals in the battle for a league ticket, await next week. "We've fought our way to this little final," says Orie. "Our players have really blossomed in the last few rounds. We've got over the injuries and suspensions. We can do it now, we know that."