Setback for Stöger's club: Captain out against Ilzer's Hoffenheim

Ahead of Sunday's crisis clash against Christian Ilzer and TSG Hoffenheim (from 5:30 PM in the LIVE ticker>>>), Borussia Mönchengladbach must endure another setback.

Captain and striker Tim Kleindienst is unavailable to new head coach Alexander Blessin, having had to stop training during the week due to problems with his left thigh.

"It's another muscle fiber tear, in a different spot. It's tough for him and tough for us," Blessin said at the pre-match press conference.

In addition to the six-time DFB international, who was already out injured for months last season for his club, defender Jan Leszczynski will also miss out.

Stöger comeback in the squad?

Another squad player, 19-year-old Fritz Fleck, is doubtful. The "Foals'" personnel problems are thus growing: A total of seven players from the still-winless Bundesliga club are currently injured.

As a result, Austrian international Kevin Stöger, who was actually already dropped from the squad for the match, could return to the matchday squad. The creative player was most recently absent from the derby against 1. FC Köln (More info>>>).