“We need to be at 100 percent”

After the cup game at Leverkusen in midweek, VfB welcome Mainz to the MHPArena on Sunday. The Zerofivers have managed just one win in the Bundesliga this season, have been waiting ten games for the next one and are second from bottom in the table with 12 points. Despite that, Sebastian Hoeneß has warned of underestimating the next opponents. “The team have strong stats under Jan Siewert,” said the VfB coach. “It’s very hard to create goalscoring chances against them. They contest and win a lot of challenges, they play and run hard with a lot of long balls and second balls. It’ll be a tough task. It’s important that we’re willing to go to the limit and contest the challenges. We need to be at 100 percent again, like on Tuesday.”

Hoeneß won’t know for certain which players are available for selection until Saturday. Serhou Guirassy, who has had a stomach problem since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, was on the pitch for the first time on Thursday. “We need to keep monitoring that,” said Hoeneß. “If it goes well, I’m confident he’ll be involved.” Guirassy’s strike partner Deniz Undav is also a doubt. “Deniz has had a muscular reaction – it remains to be seen whether he’ll be fit enough for Sunday,” explained the VfB boss. Alexander Nübel is also carrying a knock after colliding with the post at Leverkusen, with second-choice keeper Fabian Bredlow on standby to deputise between the posts.

On the positive side, Wooyeong Jeong has returned to full training following his return from the Asian Cup. “Woo is in good shape,” confirmed Hoeneß. “We’re glad that he’s back with the group and will be a factor on Sunday.” Lilian Egloff, meanwhile, is also back in full training after overcoming a knee injury.