Yukhym Konoplya
BMG
Right Back
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Aug 26, 1999 (27)
Right
5'11"
163 lb
Plays first half in return from injury
Konoplya (knee) played the first half of Thursday's 3-0 friendly win over Sportfreunde Siegen, marking his first minutes since suffering an MCL tear at the end of July, according to the club.
Analysis: Konoplya has missed all five of Gladbach's competitive matches this season and is still awaiting his official debut for the club after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk. His return to action comes at a convenient time with the international break offering further training days to build toward full competitive sharpness, giving him a chance to make his case to new head coach Alexander Blessin.
Still not ready to return
Konoplya (knee) was back in full team training training this week, though Saturday's match against Mainz still comes too soon for him, according to the club. "Kono resumed team training but Saturday's game comes too soon for him."
Analysis: Konoplya has continued building back up after his MCL tear, recently progressing from partial sessions to full team training in his recovery from the nearly two month absence. Despite this significant step, he will need to continue working on his match fitness before he becomes an option for the matchday squad again.
Returns to partial training
Konoplya (knee) returned to partial team training Tuesday after spending nearly two months sidelined with an MCL injury, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Konoplya took part in portions of the session with his teammates, marking another significant step in his recovery from the knee injury. The right-back still needs time before completing his return to full training and isn't expected to be available for the upcoming clash against Mainz. His return to competitive action will likely depend on how quickly he progresses through the final stages of his rehabilitation.
Progressing with individual work
Konoplya (knee) has recently been able to do a lot of individual work again, according to coach Eugen Polanski. "Yukhym has recently been able to do a lot of individual work again."
Analysis: Konoplya has returned to individual work on the pitch around five weeks after suffering a right MCL injury, completing ball drills, passing, shooting and sprints, though he has yet to resume full team training. His recovery has been progressing quicker than might normally be expected, and he could rejoin team training before the next international break, though his competitive return will still depend on how his knee responds to the increased workload.
Making progress in recovery
Konoplya (knee) is making progress in his recovery from a right MCL injury but remains unavailable for Saturday's clash against Elversberg, according to Rheinische Post.
Analysis: Konoplya has returned to individual work on the pitch around five weeks after suffering the injury, completing ball drills, passing, shooting and sprints. He's yet to resume full team training, though coach Eugen Polanski indicated that his recovery is progressing quicker than might normally be expected. Konoplya could rejoin team training before the next international break, but his competitive return will depend on how his knee responds to the increased workload.
Diagnosed with torn MCL
Konoplya was diagnosed with a partial tear of his knee's medial collateral ligament and will be unavailable for several weeks, according to Borussia Monchengladbach, per the Rheinische Post. "This is a huge shame for all of us for Yukhym, he had a good start here as a new signing. He is a tough guy who immediately showed a fighting spirit after the diagnosis and is working on his comeback," Sporting director Rouven Schroder said
Analysis: Konoplya will miss the club's training camp beginning next weekend at Tegernsee and is unlikely to be available before the first international break in mid October at the earliest, a significant setback after suffering the injury from a hard challenge in the win over RW Essen. He addressed the incident himself on Instagram, writing that he doesn't blame the opponent and hoped the injury isn't too serious and that I will work hard to come back even stronger.
Forced off after brutal foul
Konoplya was forced off in the 12th minute of Saturday's friendly against RW Essen due to a knee injury, according to Revier Sport.
Analysis: Konoplya was on the receiving end of a rough foul from an opponent that left him down on the ground, and after receiving treatment on the field, coach Eugen Polanski received the signal that he would need to be substituted. The nature of the challenge raises some concern, and further clarity on the severity of the knee issue should emerge as Borussia Monchengladbach continues its preseason preparations ahead of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Joins Gladbach until 2029
Konoplya has joined Gladbach from Shakhtar Donetsk on a free transfer on a contract until June 2029, his new club announced.
Analysis: Konoplya brings significant experience to the Borussia Park, having made 114 competitive appearances for Shakhtar across all competitions including 15 Champions League outings, contributing seven goals and 15 assists while winning three Ukrainian league titles, two domestic cups and a Super Cup during his time at the club. Sporting director Rouven Schroder praised his physicality, willingness to play and leadership qualities gained as a regular starter for the Ukrainian champions and through 27 senior international appearances for Ukraine, where he has scored twice. Konoplia expressed overwhelming emotion at joining such a historic club with an incredible fanbase, admitting it would take a few days to fully process the magnitude of the move, while also having a previous connection to Gladbach having faced them in a charity friendly in May 2022 when the club hosted the Ukrainian national team.
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