Gladbach: Bad News for Stöger's 'Competitor'

Kevin Stöger is likely to take on an even more important role at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Already at the Bundesliga opener last weekend (0:3 against RB Leipzig), the Upper Austrian (33), after a difficult 2025/26 season, was in the starting eleven.

This is likely to remain the case – alongside sporting reasons – also due to bitter personnel circumstances.

Midfield Teammate Seriously Injured

As confirmed by Borussia Mönchengladbach following "Bild" reports, midfield new signing Enzo Leopold has suffered a cruciate ligament tear during training.

The German (26) had only been signed on a free transfer from Hannover 96 in July, and was considered a starting eleven candidate in the central midfield of the "Foals" alongside Philipp Sander and Austrian veteran Stöger.

Sporting Director Rouven Schröder: "This is a bitter blow for us from a sporting perspective. But above all, it's a huge setback for Enzo and probably the bitterest possible start at a new club. However, we stand closely by his side, and after his operation, we will prepare and support him as best as possible during rehabilitation for his comeback, so that he can play his first Bundesliga match as quickly as possible."

The five-time Austrian international Stöger is planned as a defensive midfielder (number 6 position) for the current season, and was on the field for 64 minutes against Leipzig.