Will Pervan start now? Wolfsburg's regular goalkeeper out for weeks

Bad news for VfL Wolfsburg.

The relegated Bundesliga club will have to do without regular goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther for several weeks. The new signing from Feyenoord Rotterdam sustained a knee injury in last Friday's friendly match against Olympique Lyon and is now likely to miss the start of the 2. Bundesliga season.

On July 8, the "Wolves" aim to underscore their promotion ambitions against 1. FC Kaiserslautern – but who will be in goal for the opening match is completely unclear. It's possible that ÖFB legionnaire Pavao Pervan, who has been under contract as a backup goalkeeper for the second-division club for eight years, will step in again.

The 38-year-old boasts experience from 34 Bundesliga matches but faces a significantly younger competitor.

Will an 18-year-old debut for Wolfsburg?

The "Wolves" have a great goalkeeping talent in 18-year-old Pole Jakub Zielinski, who is also waiting for playing time.

The 18-year-old stepped in after Wellenreuther's substitution in the last friendly.

However, it remains to be seen whether new head coach Tobias Strobl will rely on Zielinski in a competitive match or prefer Pervan's experience. The former LASK keeper played his last competitive game in April 2024.

Grabara also an option

An appearance by Kamil Grabara would not be entirely ruled out, but it would be unrealistic. The "Wolves'" long-time regular goalkeeper is still under contract with the club, but has clearly stated his desire to leave and is determined to depart.

However, there are reportedly no concrete offers yet, which is why he is currently still training with VfL Wolfsburg.