Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Daiki Hashioka suffered a serious head injury on Saturday and was taken by ambulance to Leipzig University Hospital following a 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig. The incident was reported by Bild. The 27-year-old collided with Leipzig's Antonio Nusa in the 72nd minute, receiving nearly ten minutes of on-pitch treatment before being stretchered off.
After the final whistle, Hashioka was transported to the hospital for an examination of his cervical vertebrae. For Gladbach, which finished the previous season in 12th place in the Bundesliga with 38 points, this is another setback ahead of the new campaign. The team scored 42 goals last season but conceded 53.
How serious is Daiki Hashioka's injury?
The exact diagnosis and timeline for Daiki Hashioka's recovery are not yet known. Gladbach's sporting director Rouven Schröder expressed concern after the match. "We hope for the best for Daiki," said the 50-year-old. He added a potential consequence: "But if he is out long-term, we may have to react again on the transfer market." A lengthy absence for the Japanese international would further strain a defence already dealing with injured players Jens Castrop, Zento Uno and Yukhym Konoplya. The latest personnel updates can be followed on our injuries page.
The concern is justified, as the collision with Nusa appeared severe. Support from both sets of fans stopped while medical staff attended to Hashioka. The ambulance transport immediately after the game underscores the seriousness of the incident.
How did the match against RB Leipzig unfold?
The game had started promisingly for Gladbach. In the first half, Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt luckily and reflexively prevented the visitors from taking the lead. First, he deflected a shot from Hugo Bolin onto the post, then he cleared the ball off the line in the 21st minute. The attack showed promise that will be important in the coming season to reduce the 51-point gap to record champions Bayern Munich.
But then Leipzig turned the game around. Ridle Baku put the hosts ahead in the 26th minute, assisted by Brajan Gruda and Tidiam Gomis. Right after half-time, Antonio Nusa made it 2-0. The third goal was scored by Rocco Reitz in the 66th minute. Notably, Reitz raised his hands apologetically after scoring. The 24-year-old had played for Gladbach from 2018 to 2024 and moved to Leipzig in the summer for 18 million euros.
What does Rocco Reitz's goal mean?
For Rocco Reitz, the match was an emotional affair. "I spent half my life in Gladbach, but I tried to think about it as little as possible," he said after the game. "But of course it was a very, very special match." It is remarkable that Reitz was able to play at all, as he recently recovered from a severe infection. His goal was assisted by Christopher Nkunku, who returned after three years away on loan from AC Milan. Nkunku came on in the 64th minute and set up Reitz just 80 seconds later.
Another personal connection existed between Reitz and the injured Hashioka. The two had previously been teammates at Belgian club St. Truiden. Now they met again under unfortunate circumstances.
What's next for Gladbach?
The immediate future for Borussia Mönchengladbach will be influenced by Hashioka's health. If the defender is sidelined long-term, the transfer market reaction hinted at by Rouven Schröder could become necessary. Sporting planning now focuses on the next competitive fixture. On 5 December 2026, they travel to face Bayer Leverkusen, who finished sixth last season, in the DFB-Pokal. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
The defeat in Leipzig is a setback, but the final five games of last season yielded two wins, two draws and one loss (WLWDD), providing a solid foundation. The coming weeks will show how the team copes with this personnel blow and whether a defence that conceded 53 goals in 34 games can be stabilised. The current standings table illustrates the path ahead for Gladbach in the new season.
