SC Paderborn 07 will have to wait until the second half of the season for new signing Timur Gayret, who suffered an ACL tear in May. The 23‑year‑old midfielder from Berlin, signed from SC Verl in March, is expected to return only after the winter break.

How did the injury happen?

Gayret was training in May as the squad intensified preparations for a possible promotion push in the 2. Bundesliga. A misstep during a drill caused a sudden fall, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. The club doctor confirmed the severity immediately, leading to surgery. Now a lengthy rehab program of at least six months lies ahead.

What does this mean for SC Paderborn 07?

Losing Gayret hits the team hard because he was slated to be a creative midfielder easing the load on the central spine. Without him, coach Lukas Kwasniok must rely on existing options, such as veteran Janik Haberer. Currently SC Paderborn 07 sits 3rd in the 2. Bundesliga with 62 points, 18 wins, 8 draws and 8 losses from 34 games. The side has scored 59 goals and conceded 45, a +14 goal difference, and trails league leaders FC Schalke 04 by 8 points. Their last result was a 2‑1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on 25 May 2026, and the recent five‑match form reads 3 wins, 2 draws – a two‑game winning streak.

What does Gayret's comeback look like?

After surgery, Gayret will start with light strength work before moving to sport‑specific movements this summer. The club said he was mentally over the setback after three days and now looks forward. The aim is to join training again in January and earn his first minutes on the pitch in February. Fans should not expect an immediate return; patience is required.

Current club situation

Despite the loss, SC Paderborn 07 remains in the promotion race. The squad is using the chance to test other players and deepen the roster. Kwasniok stresses the injury is not a reason to dampen ambitions. Instead, the team wants to maintain its form and keep the goal of reaching the Bundesliga alive. Upcoming fixtures against direct rivals 1. FC Köln will be crucial to close the gap to Schalke 04.