“I’m pain-free”

Josha Vagnoman sustained an injury while at the European Under-21 Championship with Germany and has been sidelined since with a stress reaction in the metatarsal. The full-back will miss the first round of the DFB Cup against TSG Balingen (12 August, 13:00 CEST) and the Bundesliga opener against VfL Bochum (19 August, 15:30 CEST).

“It’s hard for me at the moment with the injury, but it’s part and parcel and I have to take it as it comes,” said Vagnoman. “I’m working towards my comeback and will give everything to be back with the team as soon as possible.”

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Vagnoman has no doubt that the team have gelled during pre-season, not just as players but also as people. “We have a very good team fabric,” added the 22-year-old. “When I joined, I was also very quickly and very well incorporated. I found it easy to settle in.”

The Germany international is still training away from his team-mates and has mostly been on his own during his rehab. “My daily routine at the moment is like this: I train at the VfB rehabilitation centre in the morning, where I go through my programme with the coaches and receive physio treatments. After that I normally have time to do my own exercises to keep myself fit.” And it’s working: “My foot’s fine again now, I’m pain-free and comfortable. That gives me hope.”