Stuttgart Yet to Determine Zagadou’s Return Date After Latest Injury Setback
VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß has stated that defender Dan-Axel Zagadou’s recovery from a significant knee injury will require considerable time, leaving his return date uncertain.
"It’s still too early to make any definitive statements regarding his recovery timeline. It was a significant knee injury," said Hoeneß, 42, ahead of Stuttgart’s Bundesliga match against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday.
Zagadou’s career has been plagued by injuries, a trend that has continued since his move to Stuttgart in September 2022. Since late September, the defender has missed several matches due to another knee injury.
Undergoing surgery for a renewed ligament injury, Zagadou was sidelined after recovering from a torn cruciate ligament and a ligament injury sustained earlier. "His recovery is progressing satisfactorily," Hoeneß remarked.
However, Hoeneß noted that Zagadou remains further behind in his recovery process compared to El Bilal Touré. The striker is making positive strides after suffering a metatarsal fracture, Hoeneß explained, and is close to resuming on-field rehabilitation.
Touré sustained his injury while playing for Mali in November. His imminent return to training heightens the possibility of him potentially featuring for Stuttgart before his loan spell from Italian club Atalanta Bergamo concludes at the end of the season.
Zagadou’s Injury History
Zagadou, 25, joined Borussia Dortmund from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. During his time at Dortmund, he established himself as a promising young defender but suffered a series of setbacks due to injuries.
He missed the majority of the 2019-20 season with a knee ligament injury, and in 2020-21, he contracted coronavirus and dealt with a muscle injury that limited his playing time.
Injuries continued to hinder Zagadou in the 2021-22 season, as he suffered a torn cruciate ligament in December 2021 that kept him out for several months.
Dortmund decided not to extend Zagadou’s contract, which expired at the end of the 2021-22 season. He subsequently joined Stuttgart on a free transfer but his stay has been hampered by further injuries.
Impact on Stuttgart’s Season
Zagadou’s absence has been a major blow to Stuttgart’s defense. The team has conceded 31 goals in 19 Bundesliga matches this season, ranking among the highest in the league.
Stuttgart currently sits 15th in the Bundesliga standings, just two points above the relegation zone. The team’s defensive struggles have contributed to their precarious position, and Zagadou’s prolonged absence has exacerbated the situation.
Conclusion
The extent of Zagadou’s latest injury and the timeline for his return to action remain uncertain. Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß has indicated that it will be some time before the defender is available for selection.
Meanwhile, striker El Bilal Touré is nearing a return to training and could provide a boost to Stuttgart’s attack in the second half of the season.
Zagadou’s persistent injury problems have hindered his progress and deprived Stuttgart of a key player. His eventual return will be a welcome development for the team as they battle to maintain their Bundesliga status.
