Gladbach captain Tim Kleindienst returns after a long injury layoff. But a new rival is already ready: Isac Lidberg. The Swedish striker comes with an impressive record of 32 goals in 64 games for Darmstadt 98 over the past two seasons.
What happens now?
Kleindienst is finally back after his complicated meniscus injury. But Lidberg makes it clear that he didn't come for the bench. In the 4-1 win against Hoffenheim, the newcomer scored twice.
Why is this important for Gladbach?
The spot in the striker position at Borussia is suddenly hotly contested. Coach Eugen Polanski is now facing a real dilemma. Although he praises his captain's positive development, the goals against Hoffenheim were only scored after Lidberg entered the field.
What comes next?
The intense training camp has apparently done Lidberg well. „I'm fit and feel strong, the training camp was tough, but that's how it has to be – I've taken it well.“ This is reported by „bild.de“. The big question is now whether this full-throttle approach will be in effect from the start of the season in the cup game against Schott Mainz (23. August, 15.30 Uhr) or six days later in the Bundesliga against RB Leipzig (15.30 Uhr). It could be that the captain will have to win back his starting spot from the bench first.
Gladbach is currently 14th in the Bundesliga table, with 30 points from 29 games. The team has scored 35 goals and conceded 49. The title holder Bayern München is 46 points ahead of Gladbach. The next game is on 6. February 2027 against SC Freiburg.
