Rot-Weiss Essen preseason: injury scare and early tough schedule

During the second day of their Bad Birnbach training camp, new signing Noah Pesch suffered a brief knee and Achilles‑tendon injury after a duel with teammate Luca Bazzoli. After a short treatment he was able to continue the session without restriction. Replacement goalkeeper Felix Wienand impressed with several reflex saves, and the squad finished the day with a small‑sided tournament won by the yellow team.

The German Football Association has set Rot‑Weiss Essen’s opening 3. Liga fixtures tightly: an away match against 1. FC Saarbrücken on Sunday, 9 August at 16:30, followed by a home game versus TSV Havelse on Saturday, 15 August at 14:00. The club’s first DFB‑Pokal tie will be against FC St. Pauli on 23 August at 18:00. Ahead of the season, the club is still searching for a fast winger and a central “anchor” player to complete the squad.

These developments outline the club’s preparation challenges and the schedule they will face as they begin the 2026/27 campaign.