Andrej Kramaric
TSG
AM
Shadow Striker
Jun 19, 1991 (35)
Right
5'10"
161 lb
HoffenheimStill lacking fitness
Kramaric is still lacking fitness following an operation this summer, according to Christian Ilzer. "As for Andrej, he has fully recovered from his operation, but both he and Koki still lack match fitness."
Analysis: Kramaric had to undergo a groin operation this summer and has struggled to gain full fitness to begin this season, still seemingly working on his match fitness. This will likely keep the midfielder from starting once again, only earning a bench spot in the opener. He was at the World Cup, so he was expected to need more time either way, hopefully pushing for starting time again soon after 26 starts last season.
Finds bench role
Kramaric (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's season opener against Koln.
Analysis: Kramaric returned to the matchday squad after two weeks of training at full intensity following the groin surgery he underwent in early July, with coach Christian Ilzer confirming his availability despite the lengthy layoff that had forced him to miss the entire preseason and the DFB-Pokal win over Erzgebirge Aue. Hoffenheim opted to manage his workload carefully with a bench role rather than throwing him straight into the starting lineup after such an extended absence, with his return to the XI expected to follow as he builds his match sharpness over the opening fixtures of the campaign.
Should be available for opener
Kramaric (groin) has been training at full intensity for the past two weeks and is progressing very well, and should be available for Saturday's season opener against Koln, according to coach Christian Ilzer. "Kramaric has been training at full intensity for two weeks and is progressing very well."
Analysis: Kramaric's steady progress comes after missing the entire preseason and the DFB Pokal win over Erzgebirge Aue following groin surgery in early July, making this stretch of full training a significant step in his recovery. His expected availability for the opener is an encouraging sign for Hoffenheim, even if his workload may still need to be managed carefully after such a lengthy layoff.
Could return Saturday
Kramaric (groin) completed his first full team training session Tuesday following groin surgery and could be available for Saturday's Bundesliga opener against FC Koln, according to Jutarnji.
Analysis: Kramaric took another significant step in his recovery Tuesday after missing the entire preseason and the DFB-Pokal win over Erzgebirge Aue following surgery in early July. The forward indicated that he could make the bench Saturday if his recovery continues to progress, though his availability has yet to be confirmed. Even if included, Kramaric is unlikely to be ready for a full workload after his lengthy absence, with the following match against Borussia Dortmund offering another potential return date if the Koln clash comes too soon.
Nearing return, could feature vs Cologne
Kramaric is making strong progress after his groin surgery but a return for Saturday's German Cup match against Erzgebirge Aue still comes too soon, according to coach Christian Ilzer. "Andrej made great progress this week. He was mostly fully involved in training. Tomorrow's match still comes too early."
Analysis: Kramaric only rejoined the Hoffenheim squad at the start of last week following his procedure and had been working through an individualized program, so this update marks a real step forward now that he's largely completed full team training sessions. Manager Christian Ilzer described him as definitely already a topic for the squad ahead of next week's Bundesliga opener against Koln, though his progress over the coming training week will still need to be monitored, with the coach adding that the Croatian is now feeling very good.
Working through individual program
Kramaric is working through an individualized training program following his groin surgery and is not yet ready for competitive action, according to kicker.
Analysis: Kramaric only rejoined the Hoffenheim squad at the start of last week after his procedure, and he sat out both closing friendlies against Tottenham as he continued his separate program. The 35-year-old is being brought back gradually given the length of his layoff, with no fixed timeline yet for a return to full team training. Kramaric is expected to miss Saturday's German Cup opener at Erzgebirge Aue, and there's currently no indication he'll be ready for the Bundesliga opener at Cologne the following week either. His full reintegration into team training remains the next step to watch before any return to matchday squads.
Set to miss training camp entirely
Kramaric (groin) will not travel with Hoffenheim for the club's summer training camp in Austria, running from August 2 to 9, according to coach Christian Ilzer, per Rhein Neckar Zeitung.
Analysis: Kramaric is still recovering from a groin procedure earlier this month, with the rehab process currently limited to water gymnastics to reduce swelling and pain, meaning regular on field team training remains out of reach for now. Manager Ilzer is sending the veteran forward home to his family to recover both physically and mentally, and with large parts of preseason now set to be missed, it remains uncertain whether Kramaric will regain full fitness before the start of the new season.
Undergoes successful surgery
Kramaric underwent a minor groin procedure that was completed successfully, the club announced.
Analysis: Kramaric's surgery had been planned and is not expected to affect his preseason preparations. Following a break after representing Croatia at the World Cup, the veteran forward is expected to return to training with Hoffenheim as scheduled. The successful procedure should help address the issue ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with the club anticipating no significant disruption to his availability once preseason begins.
Available off bench
Kramaric (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's clash with England.
Analysis: Kramaric was a doubt coming into Wednesday's opener due to a knock, and is only available on the bench. The midfielder is a nice depth option to have, he can play anywhere in the attack or midfield and could come on to chase the game if Croatia fall behind. Mario Pasalic got the start ahead of him for Wednesday's clash.
Could be on bench for opener
Kramaric (undisclosed) is managing fitness issues and could be on the bench for Croatia's World Cup opener against England, according to Sportske Novosti.
Analysis: Kramaric saw limited minutes in the pre-tournament friendlies, managing just 19 minutes and only the first half against Slovenia in Croatia's final warm-up match. Recent reports linking him to a health issue could explain the reduced workload. Even so, he remains a key part of Croatia's attacking setup, and if he starts on the bench he is expected to slot straight back into the lineup once he is deemed fully fit.
Supplies assist in win
Kramaric assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 win against Werder Bremen.
Analysis: Kramaric's pullback from the end line Saturday setup the lone goal of the fixture in Hoffenheim's 1-0 win at Werder Bremen. In addition to his assist, the attacker tracked back to contribute two tackles (one won) and one interception to the clean sheet effort across his 89 minutes of play. Over his last five appearances (five starts), Kramaric has scored four times and assisted once.
Signs contract extension
Kramaric signed a contract extension with Hoffenheim, continuing a partnership that began in January 2016 when he joined initially on loan from Leicester City, the club announced.
Analysis: Kramaric is the club's all-time record scorer with 158 goals and record appearance maker among outfield players with 359 competitive appearances, while his 73 assists also represent a club record. This season alone he has contributed 19 scoring involvements in the Bundesliga with 14 goals and five assists. Sporting director Andreas Schicker described Kramaric as a club legend who has shaped the TSG over the past decade, while the striker himself expressed his desire to help the club achieve their ambitious goals and return to European competition. On the international stage, Kramaric has earned 114 Croatia caps and scored 36 goals, finishing third in the all-time national scoring charts behind Davor Suker and Ivan Perisic, while also helping Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022.
Tallies brace
Kramaric scored two goals to go with four shots (three on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw against VfB Stuttgart. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 49th minute.
Analysis: Kramaric did his best to put Hoffenheim in a position to win with two goals in the first 50 minutes. The forward should be able to carry that momentum into a favorable matchup against Werder Bremen, a side which has conceded 57 goals in 32 Bundesliga games.
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