Jonathan Burkardt’s injury seemingly provided Eintracht Frankfurt’s record signing, Elye Wahi, a perfect breakthrough opportunity. However, head coach Dino Toppmöller omitted the French striker from the matchday squad entirely due to poor performance. Toppmöller publicly demanded better commitment from his struggling forwards, declaring, "Now’s not the time for cuddling."

Wahi, purchased for €26 million in January 2025, has contributed zero goals in 18 league matches. Conversely, Michy Batshuayi, a €3 million addition, was selected for the bench alongside Jessic Ngankam. During the match against Wolfsburg, Toppmöller deployed Ansgar Knauff as a makeshift lead striker. The strategy eventually worked when Batshuayi entered the game to score a late penalty equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw.

Wahi’s exclusion as a healthy scratch signals a probable separation this upcoming transfer window. Toppmöller reiterated that his squad choices were strictly based on merit, leaving the expensive French flop facing an uncertain future at the club.