Tim Kleindienst
BMG
CF
Playmaking Forward
Aug 31, 1995 (31)
Both
6'4"
187 lb
GladbachPoor 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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