Benedict Hollerbach
M05
CF (LW)
Playmaking Forward
May 17, 2001 (25)
Right
5'11"
179 lb
MainzBack in contention
Hollerbach is back in contention for the squad for Sunday's clash against Hamburger SV after his stint with the U23s, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Bene is back in contention for the squad after his stint with the U23."
Analysis: Hollerbach recently received his first competitive minutes since suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in January, featuring for Mainz's U23 side over the weekend to build match fitness. His return to first team contention now marks a significant milestone in his recovery, and his workload should continue to be managed carefully as he works his way back into regular action.
Set for U23 return
Hollerbach (Achilles) is set to receive his first competitive minutes since suffering his injury when he features for Mainz's U23 side this weekend, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Hollerbach will get some playing time with the U23s for the first time since his injury this weekend."
Analysis: Hollerbach has reached another important stage in his recovery from the Achilles tendon rupture he suffered in January, having already progressed to regular team training in recent weeks. His appearance with the U23s will provide an opportunity to build match fitness before being considered for first-team action. How he responds to those minutes should help determine when the forward is ready to return to Mainz's senior squad.
Nears comeback with fresh progress
Hollerbach (Achilles) continued making progress toward his return, again taking part in Mainz's team training session Wednesday, according to Allgemeine Zeitung.
Analysis: Hollerbach suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in late January but was able to resume light work with teammates surprisingly early during preseason camp, gradually being folded into larger training groups since, though he has yet to feature in any friendlies. Hollerbach is expected to have his availability for Sunday's German Cup match at VfB Krieschow determined in the coming days, with coach Urs Fischer declining to give a firm timeline. His continued progress nonetheless keeps him on track for a return either in the cup or around the start of the Bundesliga season.
Targeting return for season opener
Hollerbach is targeting a return in time for Mainz's first competitive match of the new season against Paderborn on Aug. 29, he said to the media, according to the Allgemeine Zeitung. "My goal is clearly to be available for the first match of the season, so I hope things continue to progress as quickly as possible. I feel very good, I know I can currently do everything, including sprinting and shooting."
Analysis: Hollerbach has already completed parts of team training during the club's camp in Austria following the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in late January, and while he is not yet fully integrated into every training component, he said he is pushing toward full training and full load, adding that what remains missing is match sharpness. The coming weeks should determine whether he can hit his target of being available for the season opener.
First ball work in training camp
Hollerbach (Achilles) took part in the team's warmup during the first session of Mainz's training camp in Austria and completed his first exercises with the ball, the club posted.
Analysis: Hollerbach is progressing well as he continues his buildup toward a return to competition following the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in late January. It remains unclear how much he will participate in training over the coming days, but recent photos suggest he is on the right track and gradually closing in on a return to match action.
Begins to run
Hollerbach (Achilles) has started to train individually, according to Florian Schlecht and Pascal Affelder of Allgemeine Zeitung.
Analysis: Hollerbach is seeing some huge news this week, as the forward saw the field for the first time since his Achilles tendon tear at the end of January. He would only be able to run and was not training with a ball yet, although this is still good news. He will now have a little longer than a month to recover ahead of the season, likely to be a close call to be fit by the end of August.
Set for light work in training camp
Hollerbach (achilles) will join Mainz's training camp beginning July 27 in Tyrol where he is set to complete light training sessions, according to the Allgemeine Zeitung.
Analysis: Hollerbach has been unavailable for match action since suffering a torn Achilles in late January, and his inclusion in the training camp is more about team bonding at this stage than any imminent return to full training. His participation in light sessions marks a step forward in his rehabilitation, though his path back to competitive action remains gradual as Mainz builds toward the new season.
Not an option for friendly
Hollerbach (achilles) is not an option for Friday's friendly against Kaiserlautern, according to the club.
Analysis: Hollerbach underwent surgery for the torn Achilles that ended his previous season and has been working through his rehabilitation since, with a return targeted for the start of the new 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. His continued absence from preseason action suggests his recovery timeline is still ongoing, and his path back to full training will be worth monitoring closely as Mainz builds toward the season opener.
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