FC Nürnberg will have to play in a promotion-relegation play-off in July, which may lead to Konstantinos Mavropanos extending his loan.

Returning from injury this week, Mavropanos made the bench for FC Nürnberg in their match against Holstein Kiel.

Nürnberg were in a relatively strong position going into the game, knowing a win would guarantee their safety. Even a draw or defeat would be enough as long as 16th-placed Karlsruher SC didn’t beat ninth-placed Greuther. But of course, they did.

As a result, a draw was no longer enough, but 1-1 was all they could manage. Dropping to 16th, Nürnberg will now play a two-legged tie to try and ensure their survival in the 2. Bundesliga.

This has particular implications for Mavropanos, whose loan spell ends in two days.

If Nürnberg want him to play for them in July, they’ll need to quickly agree an extension with Arsenal. Presumably, they do want him, after conceding seven goals in their last two games without him.

There’s no real reason for Arsenal to deny him that chance. They’d probably prefer to see him playing a couple of games than sitting around at home, and he can’t play for the Gunners this season anyway.

It’s just whether Nürnberg can spare the expense and Mavropanos is willing to stay.