Stuttgart lose leading Bundesliga marksman Vagnoman for Gladbach after hamstring strain

VfB Stuttgart head into Friday evening's crucial Bundesliga home encounter against Borussia Mönchengladbach without the player who currently tops their league scoring charts. Right-back Josha Vagnoman faces several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a muscular injury during Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League draw against Atlético Madrid.

According to Kicker, Stuttgart have confirmed that the 25-year-old will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. Sky Germany reports that Vagnoman suffered a hamstring strain in his right thigh and faces an estimated recovery period of three to four weeks. The German international was withdrawn in the 52nd minute against Atlético, shortly after Julián Álvarez had equalized for the visitors. Vagnoman left the pitch with his right thigh bandaged, making way for Lorenz Assignon.

A setback built on his importance at both ends

The injury represents a significant setback for Stuttgart, particularly given Vagnoman's importance during a difficult Bundesliga campaign. The Hamburg native has started all six league fixtures this season, contributing two goals and one assist. Remarkably, his two Bundesliga goals make him the Swabian club's leading league scorer heading into Friday's encounter.

Strikers Ermedin Demirovic and Dzenan Pejcinovic have found the net in the Pokal and Champions League, but have thus far managed only one combined Bundesliga goal between them.

Finishing woes compound the problem

Vagnoman's absence comes at a particularly unfortunate time for a Stuttgart side already struggling to convert scoring opportunities. Sebastian Hoeneß's team have managed only eight Bundesliga goals from their opening six matches, despite accumulating approximately 12.33 expected goals. According to Kicker, Stuttgart currently require 12.9 shots per Bundesliga goal, compared with just 7.3 last season.

Captain Deniz Undav recently expressed frustration with Stuttgart's recurring difficulties in front of goal, which contributed to Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Hamburger SV. Tuesday evening's Champions League performance nevertheless provided encouragement. Jamie Leweling opened the scoring in the 36th minute with his first goal since March, but Stuttgart conceded shortly after halftime and ultimately failed to capitalize on a numerical advantage following Morten Hjulmand's dismissal. Despite creating 18 attempts, the Swabians were unable to secure a third consecutive Champions League victory.

Assignon set to step in as Nartey suffers setback

Assignon is the leading candidate to replace Vagnoman at right-back against Gladbach. The French defender was introduced as his direct replacement during Tuesday's Champions League encounter and offers Hoeneß a natural alternative on the right flank.

Hoeneß's Württemberger have also suffered another setback involving midfielder Nikolas Nartey. The 26-year-old Dane had recently returned to team training following a thigh injury and was included in the matchday squad against Atlético Madrid. Although he remained an unused substitute, his inclusion had suggested he was approaching a return to competitive action. VfB confirmed on Thursday that Nartey continues to struggle with muscular problems and will consequently miss Friday's Bundesliga fixture. The club did not specify the extent of the complaints or provide a timetable for his return.

Must bounce back at the MHP-Arena

Stuttgart have collected just six points from their opening six Bundesliga matches, suffering four defeats despite encouraging Champions League results. Friday's opponents Borussia Mönchengladbach arrive at the MHP-Arena without a victory in their opening seven league matches. The encounter offers Stuttgart an immediate opportunity to build on Tuesday's encouraging performance and begin climbing the Bundesliga table — but they must now do so without one of their most dependable performers on both ends of the pitch.