VfB Stuttgart battles the summer heat
VfB Stuttgart is in the Bavarian town of Grassau for a training camp where temperatures exceed 30 °C. Despite the heat, striker Deniz Undav (30) wears long‑sleeve shirts. The reason: a sun allergy affecting only his arms, forcing him to protect his skin or risk a doctor’s visit. The squad prepares for a friendly against Everton on Saturday while the Bundesliga season is on pause.
Why a long‑sleeve kit?
Undav explained in the interview that he developed the allergy after too much sun during a vacation. “Not on my face, only on my arms. That’s why I wear long‑sleeve shirts to avoid a doctor’s appointment,” he said. The choice looks odd, but it shows how players adapt to personal health issues. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß backs the measure as long as performance isn’t compromised.
How does this fit the current season?
VfB Stuttgart finished the 2025 season in fourth place in the Bundesliga with 62 points, 18 wins, 8 draws and 8 losses, and a recent form of DWDDL. The team scored 71 goals and conceded 49, a +22 goal difference. They sit 27 points behind Bayern München in the title race. These figures provide context for the training conditions that aim to sharpen the squad for the upcoming campaign.
What does this mean for the friendly?
On Saturday, the Swabian club will host Premier League side FC Everton in Stuttgart. The match serves as preparation for the new Bundesliga phase and offers a chance to test fitness under real‑match conditions. Undav is expected to start, with his skin‑protection strategy under the spotlight. Observers will watch whether the long sleeves limit his mobility.
Outlook and next steps
After the friendly, the team returns to Grassau to train until Friday. The next official fixtures start in October, when VfB Stuttgart travels away to SC Paderborn 07 (2026‑10‑10). Currently sidelined are Dennis Seimen and Lorenz Assignon, adding pressure on the bench. Undav’s unusual attire remains a talking point, drawing media attention to the camp.
