Major Derby Blow for Trabzonspor as Mustafa Eskihellaç Faces Three-Week Layoff
Trabzonspor will have to prepare for their upcoming derby without Mustafa Eskihellaç. The versatile wing-back has suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for at least three weeks, ruling him out of the high-profile league match and several fixtures around it.
The 29-year-old sustained the problem during a tactical training session at the Mehmet Ali Yılmaz Facilities. An MRI scan later confirmed a grade-two tear in his hamstring, and the club’s medical staff promptly removed him from first-team training.
Trabzonspor are targeting a return after the international break, but the timetable will depend on how the injury responds to treatment. The minimum recovery period is three weeks, and the club are unwilling to accelerate the process. Returning too soon could aggravate the tear and leave Eskihellaç facing a longer spell on the sidelines.
Derby absence creates a tactical challenge
Eskihellaç’s injury is more than a straightforward loss of squad depth. His ability to operate on either flank gives the coaching staff flexibility in both defensive shape and attacking transitions. Without him, Trabzonspor must reconsider how they provide width, protect the space behind their wide players and move the ball forward quickly.
The immediate task is to identify a suitable replacement for the derby. The decision may depend on the opponent’s strengths, the demands of the match and which available players are best equipped to balance defensive responsibility with forward support. Rather than simply replacing Eskihellaç position for position, the coaching staff could adjust the structure of the flank to limit the impact of his absence.
That flexibility matters in a derby, where small tactical details can shape the contest. A replacement may be asked to stay deeper and prioritize defensive coverage, while another player provides width higher up the pitch. Alternatively, Trabzonspor could choose a more conservative setup on the affected side to reduce the risk of being exposed on the counterattack.
Momentum meets an important squad test
The setback arrives while Trabzonspor are looking to maintain their strong position near the top of the Süper Lig table. The team had recently recorded a 4-2 win over KuPS Kuopio in the UEFA Conference League, a result that added to the sense of momentum around the squad. The match also saw Mohamed Salah open his European account for the club.
Now the coaching staff must find a way to carry that confidence into the derby without a player who can contribute across both wings. The challenge will be especially significant if the match requires frequent changes in shape or rapid adjustments during play.
Trabzonspor’s alternatives will need to provide more than a temporary presence in Eskihellaç’s position. The team will also need to preserve its usual balance: full-backs and wing-backs must offer attacking options without leaving too much space for the opposition to exploit. Clear coordination with the midfield and wide forwards can help compensate for the loss.
Careful rehabilitation is the priority
A three-week estimate is a guide rather than a guaranteed return date. Hamstring injuries can vary in severity and recovery, and the club will need to assess Eskihellaç’s progress before he resumes full training. A gradual rehabilitation programme can help rebuild strength and reduce the chance of a recurrence.
The first stages typically focus on managing the injury and restoring comfortable movement. More demanding work can follow as the player regains strength and confidence, before he is considered for team training and match selection. The precise steps and timing depend on the medical staff’s assessment.
For Trabzonspor, the priority is to manage the next fixtures without placing unnecessary pressure on the injured wing-back to return early. A rushed comeback could turn a short-term absence into a more serious problem. Giving Eskihellaç time to recover would preserve the possibility of his return after the international break, while the team uses its available options to navigate a demanding stretch of the campaign.
The derby therefore presents both an immediate selection problem and a test of Trabzonspor’s squad depth. How effectively the side adapts on the flanks could influence its performance in the match and its ability to sustain league momentum while Eskihellaç completes his recovery.