Dan-Axel Zagadou
VFB
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Jun 3, 1999 (27)
Left
6'5"
198 lb
Still undergoing rehabilitation
Zagadou (thigh) remains in rehabilitation as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Monchengladbach, according to the club.
Analysis: Zagadou remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury sustained during a preseason friendly against Everton. The center-back has yet to make a competitive appearance this season, having also missed Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid. Although he recently increased his training intensity and participated in partially integrated team sessions, Stuttgart confirmed Thursday that he remains in rehabilitation and is not yet ready to return to competitive action. No definitive timetable has been established for his comeback, and he will need to resume unrestricted team training before being considered for selection. His prolonged absence continues to limit Stuttgart's defensive options, with the coaching staff likely to prioritize a full recovery before reintegrating him into the matchday squad.
Remains sidelined for Atletico clash
Zagadou (thigh) remains unavailable for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Zagadou has yet to make an appearance this season after suffering a hamstring injury during a preseason friendly against Everton. The center-back has recently increased his training intensity and participated in partially integrated team sessions but remains short of full fitness. His return timeline remains uncertain, with full team training still a necessary step before he can be considered for competitive action. His prolonged absence continues to limit Stuttgart's defensive depth, although he appears to be making gradual progress toward a comeback.
Ruled out Saturday
Zagadou (thigh) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Hamburg.
Analysis: Zagadou is not ready to return from the hamstring injury he suffered during a preseason friendly against Everton. The center-back has increased his training intensity and resumed partial team sessions but still needs more time before returning to competitive action. Full team training remains the next step in his recovery, with no clear timetable established for his comeback. His continued absence leaves Stuttgart without another option in central defense.
Still far from returning
Zagadou (thigh) remains sidelined and is still far from returning to competitive action as he continues his recovery from a muscular injury, coach Sebastian Hoeness confirmed.
Analysis: Zagadou continues to face a lengthy recovery process after suffering a hamstring injury during a preseason friendly against Everton, which forced him off in the 33rd minute. The center-back has yet to resume full team training and remains well short of match fitness, suggesting his absence could extend for several more weeks. With no clear timetable established for his return, Zagadou remains unavailable for the time being and will need to make significant progress in his rehabilitation before being considered for selection.
Out with muscular thigh injury
Zagadou has sustained a muscular injury to the back of his thigh in the friendly against Everton while contesting for the ball, and will be unavailable for training and matches in the coming weeks, according to the club.
Analysis: Zagadou had been forced off in the 33rd minute of that match, initially thought to be only a cautious substitution, but this updated diagnosis confirms a more significant setback than first believed. His absence now casts doubt over his availability for the start of the season, and his recovery timeline will be worth monitoring as Stuttgart continues preseason preparations.
Injured during friendly
Zagadou had to leave Saturday's friendly against Everton in the 33rd minute due to a muscular injury, but was only removed to be cautious, according to Daniel Haug of Kicker.
Analysis: Zagadou picked up an injury in Stuttgart's most recent friendly, leaving some questions to be answered. However, the defender was only pulled as a cautious move and wanted to continue, likely leaving little to worry about for him. He will have another chance to return to play on Aug. 15 against Fulham in their next friendly.
Signs contract extension
Zagadou has signed a one-year contract extension with Stuttgart until June 2027, the club announced.
Analysis: Zagadou made eight competitive appearances this season after fighting back from a lengthy injury absence, making his Bundesliga comeback in the matchday 31 home draw against Werder Bremen. Zagadou has now made 53 appearances for Stuttgart since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, contributing two goals and two assists across a spell that has included Bundesliga survival via the relegation playoff, a runners-up finish and two consecutive Champions League qualifications. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth praised his footballing qualities, personality and determination to fight back from repeated injury setbacks, with Zagadou himself expressing his gratitude for the club's trust and his commitment to delivering his best performances in the upcoming season.
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