YB stands for a goalkeeper’s dilemma

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There seems to be a glimmer of hope. “We should know more in the coming week once we know the doctors’ new diagnoses,” said YB sports director Steve von Bergen. Of course he cannot be specific, as always in 2023 in the case of David von Ballmoos (26). But the fact that von Bergen mentions “next week” could be an indication. For the fact that the goalkeeper’s knee from the Emmental could withstand a hundred percent load again.

The word that should drive Von Ballmoos crazy is bone marrow edema. This is a buildup of fluid in the bone marrow, usually in the joints. This puts pressure on the bone from the inside, leading to pain and often microfractures. This edema is usually a response to an injury such as a fracture, multiple microfractures, or overuse. Why top athletes are often affected.

An operation is not (yet) necessary

The good thing: as a rule, as with Von Ballmoos, no surgery is necessary. Or none yet. The edema resolves on its own within four to twelve months with rest and physical therapy. But: in 15 percent of cases it can take two or more years – despite the best health. And the insidious thing: a prognosis is almost impossible. “That’s the worst thing for an elite athlete,” says von Bergen, “if you don’t have a goal to work towards.”

So it makes no sense at the moment to talk about an exact date for the return, Von Ballmoos said on Instagram two weeks ago. Otherwise he doesn’t want to talk right now. What should he say? What poor fellow is he? He has been out for months twice because he had to have shoulder surgery for dislocations. And now this… It’s probably not right with the psyche. “No,” von Bergen struggles. “David is very good mentally, really.” Because that’s his nature.

Ballmoos is and remains number one

And when he is fit again? “Then he returns to the YB gate. He’s number one,” says von Bergen as if shot from a cannon. “That’s without discussion.” But at the latest, YB has a luxury problem. Anthony Racioppi (24) currently plays. Von Bergen: “At the moment he is number one as long as David is injured.” It’s been a while since he came on for Von Ballmoos in Geneva against Servette on November 6 last year. And in his second youth phase as a standard goalkeeper, he is doing very well. In any case, much better than in the five games at the beginning of 2022 with seven goals against.

But even then, Racioppi remained undefeated. Like this year in the league, cup and European Cup. Makes a total of 19 games for YB. Zero defeats!

From Ballmoos abroad or a loan from the cellar

The situation has changed for the Geneva man, however, when YB acquired highly talented U21 goalkeeper Marvin Keller (20) from Wil early this year and tied him up until 2027. “We’ve been eyeing him for a long time,” says von Bergen. “Yet he was surprised when we knocked on the door. Now he can develop further with us. Even without match training at the highest level. Because if you train at YB with a selection of this quality, you will be challenged to the maximum as a keeper. Every day.”

When Von Ballmoos makes his comeback, there is one goalkeeper too many. So? Von Bergen: “In any case, we will find good solutions and by no means work with all three.” Various scenarios are conceivable. Ballmoos has never made a secret of his dream abroad. It just won’t happen right away. Keller is likely to be loaned out for exhibition games if the other two stay. Racioppi, who, like Von Ballmoos, has a contract until 2025, is something of a manipulative mob in this game.

Source : Blick