VfB initiates its plans with a 7:1 comeback for Zagadou's triumphant return. - VfB Begins with a Dominant 7-1 Scoreline in Preparation for Zagadou's Return
Dan-Axel Zagadou, the French centre-back who previously captained Borussia Dortmund, is nearing a return to VfB Stuttgart after a series of injuries. The defender, who joined Stuttgart on a loan deal in January 2025, has faced setbacks including a knee injury, a muscle injury, and most recently, an ankle issue.
Injury History ----------------
Zagadou's season has been marred by injury, with the knee injury keeping him sidelined for the initial months of Dortmund's campaign. A muscle injury around mid-January further delayed his return, and he has been out of action for several months. Borussia Dortmund's sporting director, Michael Zorc, expressed hope that Zagadou could rejoin the squad from mid-July onwards[1]. However, a recent ankle injury has kept him out of the lineup for matches such as FSV Mainz 05 vs VfB Stuttgart[3].
Future Game Schedule --------------------
VfB Stuttgart's upcoming fixtures include matches against teams like Hamburger SV in early April 2026[5]. While no injury updates were reported for Zagadou as of early July 2025, suggesting either recovery or absence from injury lists at that point, his immediate participation might be uncertain due to the recent ankle injury[1][3].
Potential Transfer Targets ---------------------------
As of now, there is no public information on VfB Stuttgart's transfer targets or moves related to Zagadou's role. There are no mentions of incoming players linked to covering his position or replacements during his injury time[1]. Borussia Dortmund's hope to bring him back soon suggests that Stuttgart might rely on his recovery rather than seeking immediate replacements[1].
Pre-Season Test Against Celta Vigo -----------------------------------
The next pre-season test for VfB Stuttgart is scheduled for July 26 in Reutlingen against Europa League participant Celta Vigo[2]. Christian Gentner, sporting director of VfB Stuttgart, has stated that the pre-season match is an opportunity for players to present themselves to the coach and potentially secure a starting position[4].
Nick Woltemade, a striker for VfB Stuttgart, is expected to return to training on July 28 after an extended vacation[6]. The competitive season for VfB Stuttgart will start on August 16[6].
References:
1. [Borussia Dortmund Sporting Director Michael Zorc Hopes Dan-Axel Zagadou Could Return Soon](https://www.bundesligafanatic.com/borussia-dortmund/borussia-dortmund-sporting-director-michael-zorc-hopes-dan-axel-zagadou-could-return-soon/) 2. [VfB Stuttgart to Face Celta Vigo in Pre-Season Test on July 26](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/sport/fussball/vfbs-vorbereitung-auf-die-saison-2025-26-mit-testspiel-gegen-celta-vigo-1.42198381) 3. [Dan-Axel Zagadou Out Due to Ankle Problem for FSV Mainz 05 vs VfB Stuttgart](https://www.bundesligafanatic.com/fsv-mainz-05/dan-axel-zagadou-out-due-to-ankle-problem-for-fsv-mainz-05-vs-vfbs/) 4. [Christian Gentner: Pre-Season Matches Offer Players Chance to Impress](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/sport/fussball/christian-gentner-vorbereitungsspiele-bieten-spielern-chance-zu-imponieren-1.42168224) 5. [VfB Stuttgart's Upcoming Bundesliga Fixtures: A Look Ahead](https://www.bundesligafanatic.com/vfbs/vfbs-upcoming-bundesliga-fixtures-a-look-ahead/) 6. [Christian Gentner: VfB Stuttgart's Goal is to Continue Developing and Build on Progress](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/sport/fussball/christian-gentner-vfbs-ziel-ist-weiter-zu-entwickeln-und-auf-den-fortschritt-zu-bauen-1.42166341)
The Commission has not yet received any information on Dan-Axel Zagadou's participation in sports, especially football, considering his recent ankle injury kept him out of the FSV Mainz 05 vs VfB Stuttgart match. Despite the hope for his recovery, his immediate involvement in any football game remains uncertain.
