VfB Stuttgart will start the new Bundesliga season without their new number one goalkeeper Dennis Seimen. The 20-year-old suffered a muscle injury to the back of his thigh and will be sidelined until at least late September. The club announced the setback on Wednesday. Offensive player Justin Diehl also picked up an injury and will miss the opening stretch of the season. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Bundesliga, 56 pts, 17W-5D-7L from 29 games, recent form WLWWD.
What happened?
The injury to Dennis Seimen struck VfB Stuttgart like a bolt from the blue. The 20-year-old picked up the thigh injury in pre-season and will be out until at least the end of September. The club confirmed the news on Wednesday. Justin Diehl, who mainly featured for the U21 last season, also suffered a thigh injury and will miss the early weeks of the campaign.
Why is this a major blow for Stuttgart?
For VfB Stuttgart, losing Seimen is a heavy blow. The goalkeeper was signed to replace Alexander Nübel and was set to be the new first-choice shot-stopper. The club had already finalised plans at that position. Sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth called the news “definitely bad news.” While Fabian Bredlow, Marius Funk and Stefan Drljaca remain in goal, the loss of the new number one forces the club to act. Wohlgemuth hinted the club may revisit the transfer market in the coming days.
What’s next for Stuttgart?
VfB Stuttgart now faces the challenge of plugging the gap in goal on short notice. Wohlgemuth stressed the goalkeeping squad still has plenty of quality even without Seimen. Still, the club may make a move in the transfer window to shore up the position. The opening weeks of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season just got tougher without Seimen and Diehl. Pre-season plans are already in tatters and must be redrawn. Fans are hoping for a swift recovery for both players.
Stuttgart kick off the new season with a major setback. Injuries to Dennis Seimen and Justin Diehl have left the club scrambling for solutions. The goalkeeper plans were already set, yet sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth now has to act fast. The opening weeks of the Bundesliga will show how well the club can handle the unexpected hurdles.
