“We can generate power at home”

VfB Stuttgart entertain 1. FC Köln on Bundesliga Matchday 24, with kick-off at 15:30 CET on Saturday. Ahead of the meeting, Sebastian Hoeneß provided an update on the personnel situation, confirming that goalkeeper Alexander Nübel is yet to return to full training: “It’s getting better, he did some running today. We’re increasingly hopeful that he’ll be able to do more from the start of next week.” There are doubts over captain Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstädt. “Waldi has back problems that are spreading to his stomach,” revealed Hoeneß. “Maxi came out of the game at Darmstadt with an adductor issue. Both were able to join in with training for the first time today. We have to wait for tomorrow’s training.”

There’s also a concern over Fabian Bredlow, who has deputised for Nübel in goal in the last two league games. “Fabi missed training today,” Hoeneß said. “He appears to have eaten something wrong and consequently had a bad night. We hope that a day of recovery today is sufficient.” Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Deniz Undav are definitely out (all injured), while Pascal Stenzel is suspended.

However, Hoeneß does have Silas back at his disposal for the match against the 16th-placed Billy Goats, after the winger resumed full training during the week. “Silas was exhausted after the AFCON, which is absolutely understandable,” added the VfB boss. “He’s had a good week of training now. Silas gives us top speed and goal threat. He’s a candidate for the starting XI.”

In general, Hoeneß is optimistic about the upcoming assignment. “We can generate power at home,” he said. “The team that starts will be capable of winning the match – but only if we deliver a good performance and take the task 100% seriously. Köln will do everything to stay in the league. We have respect for this game and have been warned.”