After three recent league victories, VfB Stuttgart wants to further extend its winning streak against the weak Wolfsburg team. An attacker’s comeback is conceivable.
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß doesn’t want to rush anything if striker Deniz Undav returns to VfB Stuttgart’s starting lineup. “Of course I have to make sure that he not only gets through this game, but is also available for the next few weeks,” said the coach before the Bundesliga game at VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday (3:30 p.m., live on SWR1 Stadium).
Hoeneß also has the tight program in mind: starting with the encounter with Lower Saxony, there are seven games in less than four weeks until the next international break. “It’s about managing it well,” continued Hoeneß. Undav missed around seven weeks due to a knee injury. During the international break, Undav had already returned to the pitch in the friendly against SV Elversberghe has been waiting for his fifth competitive appearance this season since the end of August.
No “longer-term story” at Leweling
While the striker is at least an option again, substitute keeper Stefan Drljaca as well as striker Ermedin Demirovic and Jamie Leweling are not available due to injuries. Hoeneß does not expect a “longer-term story” with Undav’s DFB teammate Leweling. The 24-year-old is plagued by adductor problems. He could be fit for action again in the Europa League game against Fenerbahce Istanbul on Thursday.
Hoeneß sees a “rather good trend” in his team after three league wins in a row. The situation is different for their opponent VfL Wolfsburg. VfL was only able to win in the league on the first matchday in Heidenheim (3:1). This was followed by two draws and three defeats. “We want to try to take advantage of a perceived uncertainty and instability – especially when the game is going our way,” said Hoeneß.
