FC St. Pauli to miss Rawley St. John FC St. Pauli begins the new 2. Bundesliga season with a key absence. Rawley St. John (21) will be sidelined after suffering a meniscus injury in a friendly against Deportivo de A Coruña. The Australian could be out for several weeks or longer.

What does this mean for the team? St. John’s injury is a major setback for the club, which was relegated from the Bundesliga last season (18th place, 26 points, 6 wins, 8 draws, 20 losses). With only 29 goals in 34 games and a -31 goal difference, coach Marcel Rapp must strengthen his attack.

Who could fill the gap? Martijn Kaars has been in good form in preseason. The 27-year-old Dutchman has already scored twice from distance and could step up. Branimir Hrgota may also take on a bigger role.

When will St. John return? FC St. Pauli has not yet provided a timeline for St. John’s comeback. The team opens the season on Sunday against Greuther Fürth (1:30 PM). The next home game is on October 10 against Karlsruher SC.