Kohfeldt finally leaned forward, palms flattening against the desk.
"So that's it," he muttered. "Final two matches. Pfeiffer out. Maglica banned."
He glanced down at the squad list in front of him, mentally crossing out names.
"That leaves us with two fit center-backs," Heck continued, "and no natural cover on the bench."
Silence filled the room for a moment. The kind that only exists when everyone understands the implications without needing them spelled out. Two matches left. Promotion already slipping away. And now the spine of the defense held together by tape and hope.
Kohfeldt turned his head slowly toward the man seated opposite him.
Björn Kopper, the academy manager, had been quiet so far, listening, arms folded loosely across his chest.
"Björn," Kohfeldt said at last, voice measured but urgent, "is there anyone we can call up from the reserves right now?"
