Tim Kleindienst
BMG
Center Forward
Target Striker
Aug 31, 1995 (31)
Both
6'4"
187 lb
Likely to miss next two matches
Kleindienst (thigh) is expected to miss Borussia Monchengladbach's upcoming Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart and the following DFB-Pokal fixture as he continues recovering from a new muscle fiber tear, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "I don't think he'll be available against Stuttgart, and then we have the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday. He probably won't make it for those two games either."
Analysis: Kleindienst remains sidelined after suffering another muscular injury shortly after returning to team training following a lengthy absence. Coach Blessin clarified that the latest issue is not a recurrence of his previous injury but a new structural tear located approximately 10 centimeters above the original problem area. Although the tear is relatively small, the coach acknowledged that the situation is complicated given the striker's prolonged recovery and repeated setbacks. The 31-year-old captain missed Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Hoffenheim and is now expected to sit out at least two additional matches, further delaying his return to competitive action. No definitive comeback date has been established, and his availability beyond the upcoming Stuttgart and DFB-Pokal fixtures remains uncertain as Monchengladbach continue to manage his rehabilitation cautiously.
Suffers another muscle tear
Kleindienst (thigh) has suffered another muscle fiber tear in a different area of his thigh and has been ruled out for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "Tim had completed the whole of pre-season and was pretty much pain-free before suffering a muscle strain in his thigh. Now it's happened again, although in a different area, slightly higher up. After such a long spell out injured, it can take time to get back to full fitness. Setbacks aren't unusual along the way."
Analysis: Kleindienst has suffered another setback in his recovery after experiencing renewed muscular discomfort during Wednesday's training session. The Borussia Monchengladbach captain had recently returned to team training following a lengthy injury absence but is now dealing with a fresh muscle tear in a different area of his thigh. The striker could face several more weeks on the sidelines, although no official recovery timeline has been established. His continued absence leaves Gladbach without an important attacking option as he waits to regain full fitness.
Suffers setback in training
Kleindienst (thigh) was forced to leave Wednesday's training session after approximately 35 minutes due to renewed muscular discomfort, according to Bild.
Analysis: Kleindienst had returned to team training after missing the derby against FC Koln due to muscular problems, but suffered another setback Wednesday. The striker reportedly experienced discomfort during an exercise and left the pitch with a heavy bandage around his left thigh. His availability for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim is now uncertain, despite coach Alexander Blessin previously expressing optimism about his return. Further assessment will determine whether the captain can recover in time.
Ruled out against Koln
Kleindienst (undisclosed) is absent from Borussia Monchengladbach's squad for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Koln after failing to recover in time from his recent injury.
Analysis: Kleindienst will miss Sunday's encounter after being unable to pass a late fitness assessment following his absence from training earlier in the week. The forward had started three of his four Bundesliga appearances this season, establishing himself as a regular option in Gladbach's attack despite failing to score. His absence leaves the team without one of its preferred attacking options, while his availability for the next league fixture remains uncertain.
Late call for Sunday
Kleindienst (undisclosed) is a late call for Sunday's match against Koln, according to manager Alxander Blessin. "It could be a very close call with Tim. We'll have to see how things develop over the next 24 hours, but I'm still hopeful that he will be available."
Analysis: Kleindienst was not in training earlier this week as he dealt with an injury and will not be a late call for Sunday, needing to pass a late fitness check. The club will monitor his situation closely, as he has started in three of their four appearances this season, a regular sight at forward. He will look to resume a starting role if he is fit, although he will need an improvement in performance as he searches for his first goal of the season.
Cuts team training session Tuesday
Kleindienst (undisclosed) was forced to cut Tuesday's training session short after roughly 30 minutes due to muscular discomfort, though coach Alexander Blessin described his early exit as precautionary, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Kleindienst felt some tightness during Tuesday's session and made the call to shut things down early, but coach Blessin indicated that no injury occurred and opted against taking any unnecessary risks. The striker still has several sessions to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday's derby against Koln, when he's eligible to return after serving a one-match suspension. Barring any setback, Kleindienst should remain in the mix to reclaim a spot in the starting XI.
Available after suspension
Kleindienst is available for the match against Koln after serving his one-match suspension.
Analysis: Kleindienst returns to contention after completing the suspension triggered by his red card against Freiburg. The forward was unavailable for the subsequent clash with Mainz but can now immediately rejoin Gladbach's attacking options against Koln. He should be in contention to return to the starting XI after the enforced one-match absence.
Sent off Saturday
Kleindienst was sent off in the second half of Saturday's 5-0 loss to Freiburg.
Analysis: Kleindienst was shown a second yellow card in the 52nd minute forcing Gladbach down to 10 men. The forward will miss next week's match against Mainz through suspension.
Poor in front of goal
Kleindienst registered five shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-3 defeat to SV 07 Elversberg.
Analysis: Kleindienst only put one of his five shots on the frame, and he created just one chance. In a high-scoring match, that type of inaccuracy can be detrimental. The forward has a good chance to score against Freiburg if he is more accurate, as the side did allow 57 goals in Bundesliga play a year ago.
Managing workload
Kleindienst had his workload reduced during Tuesday's training session after completing his first full match in more than 15 months against RB Leipzig, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Kleindienst trained on the pitch for less than 30 minutes before continuing his work indoors, but coach Eugen Polanski clarified that the striker could have completed the entire session. The reduced workload was simply part of his fitness management after he played around 20-to-25 minutes longer than initially planned against Leipzig. There appears to be no injury concern ahead of Saturday's clash against Elversberg, though Gladbach will continue to carefully manage his workload as he works back toward peak fitness.
Posts strong fitness marks
Kleindienst skipped Saturday's 6-0 friendly win over Wuppertaler SV by choice, opting for a training session instead of a brief cameo, and posted fitness and endurance numbers among Borussia Monchengladbach's top three players entering preseason testing after a tough injury-plagued year and is set to make his first preseason appearance in the next friendly, according to Bild.
Analysis: Kleindienst spent close to a year out following two knee operations, limiting him to three appearances last season and ending his World Cup hopes, but he has bounced back with fitness and endurance numbers ranking among the club's top three to start preseason. He opted out of Saturday's Wuppertaler SV friendly to train instead and is set to debut in preseason play against Rot-Weiss Essen. Provided he's fit for the season opener, he looks like the more probable starter over Isac Lidberg.
Returns for season finale
Kleindienst (knee) has returned to team training and is set to come off the bench in Saturday's final Bundesliga fixture against Hoffenheim, his first appearance since late November, according to coach Eugen Polanski, per Bild. "Tim has a strong presence on the pitch, but also a unique voice and vision. It is great to have him back. He has been greatly missed this season, and we wish him a positive end to the season Saturday after his long absence. His playing time will be very limited. It is simply about giving Tim a positive conclusion to a situation that has lasted an extremely long time. It is about rediscovering the joy of playing. Tim is not yet at 100 percent, but it is important for him to feel in good shape again."
Analysis: Kleindienst's last appearance came in late November 2025, when he managed one minute in the 0-0 draw against Leipzig, making Saturday's return a significant milestone after a lengthy knee injury. The 30-year-old has not publicly ruled out a World Cup dream, with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann set to announce his squad on May 21, leaving approximately four weeks before the opening match against Curacao on June 14. Manager Julian Nagelsmann has previously expressed interest in having a player of Kleindienst's profile available for the tournament, and Saturday's appearance could serve as a timely reminder of what he brings to the table.
Trains with team partially
Kleindienst (knee) reported to team training for the first 45 minutes before going to individual training, according to manager Eugen Polanski, per Thomas Grulke of Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Kleindienst has been working on his return for a few weeks now and is nearing a return to play, as he has taken his first steps in team training again. However, with the forward limited, a return is still likely to take another week or two, needing to ramp up his training. He is still eyeing a return to play in the season finale, trying to end on a positive note after an injury has left him out since December.
Still working on return
Kleindienst (knee) is still not yet in team training, according to manager Eugen Polanski. "In Tim, we still have a player who is not yet in team training, but on a good path."
Analysis: Kleindienst has been training individually for over a week now, but is not yet ready to make the next jump, not yet an option for team training. This comes due to a long absence, having been out since November due to his knee injury. A return this season would put a bright spot on a rough season for the forward, only appearing twice all season due to multiple injuries.
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