Jens Castrop
BMG
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Jul 29, 2003 (23)
Right
5'10"
168 lb
Set for cup squad return
Castrop (shoulder) is expected to return to the squad for Tuesday's DFB-Pokal clash against Karlsruher SC after recovering from a shoulder injury, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "Castrop will be back in the squad on Tuesday, provided nothing unexpected happens."
Analysis: Castrop is nearing his competitive return after missing several matches with a shoulder injury. The midfielder had recently resumed partial team training and has now progressed sufficiently to be considered for Tuesday's cup encounter. His expected inclusion in the matchday squad represents a significant step forward, although it remains unclear whether he will immediately return to the starting lineup or begin on the bench. Castrop could also be available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Paderborn if he comes through the midweek fixture without any setbacks.
Ruled out against Stuttgart
Castrop (shoulder) will miss Friday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart despite recently resuming partial team training, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "It's still too early for Castrop."
Analysis: Castrop has made progress in his recovery from a shoulder injury after returning to partial team training earlier this week. However, the midfielder has not yet regained sufficient fitness to return to competitive action, ruling him out of Friday's trip to Stuttgart. His recent participation in training represents an encouraging step, although he will need to increase his workload before being cleared for selection. No definitive timeline has been established for his return.
Trains with team
Castrop (shoulder) took part in training Tuesday, BILD reports.
Analysis: Castrop was always expected to get back on the training ground during this week and he started the week very well. The midfielder got back on the pitch and trained partly with the team. It's a nice return certainly for the midfielder, who will hope to ramp up to a full session before Friday's trip to Stuttgart. The fact that this game comes a day earlier than normal is a minor concern, but if he can continue on his current recovery he should be fit.
Set to resume full training next week
Castrop (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim but is expected to resume full team training next week, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "He's well ahead of schedule."
Analysis: Castrop has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury during Borussia Monchengladbach's summer training camp, leaving him without a Bundesliga appearance this season. The 23-year-old midfielder has been progressing faster than initially anticipated and is now approaching a return to full team training after several weeks of individual rehabilitation. If he completes next week's sessions without any setbacks, he could come into contention for the October 23 clash against Stuttgart.
Nearing return to team training
Castrop (shoulder) continued working individually Wednesday but is close to resuming team training as he progresses in his recovery from injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Castrop has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury during Gladbach's summer training camp, most recently missing the derby against Koln. The 23-year-old midfielder has been gradually increasing his workload through individual rehabilitation sessions and is now approaching the next stage of his recovery. Although his return to full team training appears imminent, the club has yet to establish an exact date for his reintegration or competitive comeback. Castrop will likely need additional time to rebuild his match fitness once he rejoins his teammates, leaving his availability for upcoming Bundesliga fixtures uncertain.
Still limited to individual work
Castrop will miss the upcoming derby against Koln as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Castrop remains in individual rehabilitation after suffering the shoulder injury during Gladbach's summer training camp. The midfielder has progressed to running work away from the squad but has yet to resume football-specific training with the ball, leaving him short of a return to competition. While his recovery is progressing well, Castrop will need additional time before returning to team training, with no precise comeback date established.
Resumes running
Castrop (shoulder) has resumed running as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Castrop has been sidelined for more than a month after dislocating his shoulder during a preseason friendly against Rottach-Egern and subsequently undergoing surgery. His return to running represents another step in his recovery, though he still needs additional time before rejoining team training. The midfielder therefore remains some way from returning to competitive action.
Ruled out for months
Castrop will undergo shoulder surgery in the coming days and will be out for several months, according to the club. Sporting director Rouven Schroder said "This is bitter news for all of us, we hope a good and quick recovery process so that Jens can get back into the competition within the team and strengthen us."
Analysis: Castrop dislocated his shoulder in the friendly against FC Rottach-Egern and traveled back to Monchengladbach for further examination, which determined surgery was necessary. This is a significant and unfortunate setback that comes not long after an earlier scare that had been described as minor, and no specific timeline for his return has been given by the club. Hugo Bolin is expected to see increased playing time in the attacking midfield until Castrop returns.
Dealing with shoulder issue
Castrop went to the hospital and was examined following a suspicion of a shoulder injury, according to Hannah Gobrecht of Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Castrop required lengthy medical treatment on the field during the friendly against FC Rottach-Egern and was unable to leave under his own power, ultimately being carried off on a stretcher, with the shoulder issue possibly also causing circulatory problems. This is a far more concerning development than his earlier, minor setback that had been described as nothing serious, and further clarity on his condition should come once the hospital examination is complete.
Joins training camp
Castrop (undisclosed) is joining Gladbach's preseason training camp, with the issue considered minor, according to BMG Edits.
Analysis: Castrop had been forced to end his warmup early before the friendly against Hansa Rostock, in which he was originally set to start, adding to a preseason already disrupted by recent knee problems. His inclusion in the traveling squad for the camp at Tegernsee is an encouraging sign that this latest setback is not serious, and his continued progression will be worth tracking as Gladbach builds toward the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Withdrawn as precaution
Castrop (undisclosed) had to end his warmup early due to a knock before Gladbach's friendly against Hansa Rostock on Saturday, in which he was set to start, according to Torben BMG.
Analysis: Castrop's absence rules him out of the club's final friendly before the training camp at Tegernsee, running from Aug. 2 to 9, and comes as another minor setback in a preseason already disrupted by recent knee problems. He finished last season with three goals and one assist across 26 appearances, including 20 starts, before a red card suspension prematurely ended his domestic campaign, and his recovery timeline will be worth monitoring as Gladbach builds toward the new season.
Suspension served
Castrop has served his three-match Bundesliga suspension and is no longer suspended.
Analysis: Castrop had seen his red card ban extended to three matches by the DFB, effectively ending his domestic season prematurely after 26 appearances (20 starts), contributing three goals and one assist across the campaign. The South Korean international will now shift his focus entirely to the World Cup this summer before returning to Gladbach ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the club looking forward to having him back in the fold once the tournament concludes.
Suspended three games
Castrop is done for the season after his red card has been increased to a three-match suspension, according to Rune Gjerulff of Bullinews.
Analysis: Castrop is seeing the end of his season prematurely, as after a red card in their last outing, the foul being revisited by the DFB, he has had his suspension increased to three games. This is a rough way to end the season, as he is a starter on the left flank when fit, leaving Lukas Ullrich or Florian Neuhaus to start in his place. Castrop ends the campaign with 20 starts in 26 appearances, notching three goals on 30 shots and one assist on 18 chances created.
Shown red Saturday
Castrop was shown a straight red card in the 92nd minute of Saturday's match against Wolfsburg and will be suspended for the next Bundesliga clash against Dortmund.
Analysis: Castrop was sent off with a straight red card in the second half of Saturday's clash against Wolfsburg and will miss at least one match due to suspension. The midfielder had started each of the last eight matches, logging consistent minutes, so his absence could be felt, with Lukas Ullrich expected to step into the starting role in his place.
Takes three shots, leaves injured
Castrop was injured and subbed out in the 72nd minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Mainz. He had three shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) before exiting the match.
Analysis: Castrop struggled in front of goal, missing two big chances, and his outing worsened when he was forced off in the 72st minute with a slight thigh issue. The substitution appeared precautionary, but he remains questionable for the upcoming clash with Wolfsburg. Lukas Ullrich replaced him and could see increased playing time if Castrop is unable to feature.
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