After yet another defeat for VfB Stuttgart, there has been conflicting news regarding the fitness of two key players. Christian Gentner looks set to play in their next match, while Filip Kostic will miss out against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Can Maxim fill in for Kostic?
The Swabians were beaten for the sixth time in seven games against Borussia Mönchengladbach, which sees them sit second bottom of the Bundesliga. Only Hannover 96 are below them, and are the side they managed to break the losing run against during midweek by securing a 3-1 win.
Despite a good showing against Gladbach, chances were wasted once again and the same doom and gloom seems to have set in again. That has worsened after news that Kostic will not play any part against Hoffenheim after tearing his thigh muscle. It does fall at a decent time for Alexander Zorninger's men, though. The international break means he has a two week window to regain fitness, but even then he will struggle to be fit.
Gentner's fitness announcement is a big boost
There was more positive signs to come from captain Gentner's worries, after he couldn't play any further part in the game after the 82nd minute due to severe pain in his Achilles tendon. However, a day later, it was confirmed that he'll train through the week and is "optimistic" that he will succeed in doing so.
The 30-year-old made his 200th appearance for Stuttgart in the defeat, and will feature for the 300th time in the Bundesliga if he gets fit in time for the trip to Hoffenheim. Gentner was unfortunate to put through his own net during match, especially after his wonderful goal sparked a marvelous turnaround against Hannover. His presence will be vital to getting a positive result in Sinsheim, and giving the fans some hope going into the break.