VfB Stuttgart head into crucial Bundesliga encounter without leading league goalscorer
VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß will be without his team's leading Bundesliga goalscorer for Friday evening's home encounter against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Right-back Josha Vagnoman faces several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a muscular injury during Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw against Atlético Madrid.
According to Kicker, Stuttgart have confirmed that the 25-year-old will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. Sky Germany reports that Vagnoman suffered a hamstring strain in his right thigh and faces an estimated recovery period of three to four weeks.
Vagnoman was withdrawn in the 52nd minute against Atlético, shortly after Julián Álvarez had equalized for the visitors. The German international left the pitch with his right thigh bandaged, making way for Lorenz Assignon.
The injury represents a significant setback for Stuttgart, particularly given Vagnoman's importance to the team during their difficult Bundesliga campaign. The Hamburg native has started all six league fixtures this season, contributing two goals and one assist.
Remarkably, his two Bundesliga goals make him the Swabian club's leading league scorer heading into Friday's encounter. Strikers Ermedin Demirovic and Dzenan Pejcinovic have managed to find the back of the net in the Pokal and Champions league, but have thus far only managed one combined Bundesliga goal.
Stuttgart lose key attacking contributor amid finishing struggles Vagnoman's absence comes at a particularly unfortunate time for a Stuttgart side already struggling to convert scoring opportunities. Sebastian Hoeneß' team have managed only eight Bundesliga goals from their opening six matches, despite accumulating approximately 12.33 expected goals.
According to Kicker, Stuttgart currently require 12.9 shots per Bundesliga goal, compared with just 7.3 last season. Captain Deniz Undav recently expressed frustration with Stuttgart's recurring difficulties in front of goal, which contributed to Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Hamburger SV.
Tuesday evening's Champions League performance nevertheless provided considerable encouragement. Stuttgart players and officials hailed their impressive display against Atlético Madrid, suggesting that the team could use the European encounter as a foundation for improved Bundesliga performances.
Jamie Leweling opened the scoring in the 36th minute with his first goal since March, but Stuttgart conceded shortly after halftime and ultimately failed to capitalize on a numerical advantage following Morten Hjulmand's dismissal. Despite creating 18 attempts, the Swabians were unable to secure a third consecutive Champions League victory.