VfB Stuttgart have suffered a major blow ahead of the new Bundesliga season. Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen and striker Justin Diehl are set to miss the start of the campaign after sustaining thigh muscle injuries in training, with both expected to be sidelined until at least the international break at the end of September 2026, the club confirmed on 24 July 2026. The 20-year-old Seimen, who impressed last season on loan with SC Paderborn as they won promotion to the Bundesliga, was set to replace Alexander Nübel in goal. League standing: 4th in Bundesliga, 62 pts, 18W-8D-8L from 34 games, recent form DWDDL.
What happened?
Both players picked up their injuries during a team training session, with Seimen suffering damage to the back of his thigh and Diehl to the front. The club announced the setback, adding that Diehl - who made just 21 appearances for the VfB U21 in the 3. Liga last season - had barely featured for the first team. Seimen, by contrast, was poised to step into the starting role after Nübel’s loan spell ended and he moved to Beşiktaş Istanbul.
Why does this hurt VfB Stuttgart?
The timing could hardly be worse. VfB Stuttgart, who have scored 71 goals and conceded 49 (+22 goal difference), currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, yet their goalkeeper plans were already finalised. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth was blunt: “These are definitely bad news because it’s already clear that Dennis and Justin won’t be available for the opening stretch of the season.”
Who steps up in their absence?
Fabian Bredlow, the club’s second-choice keeper, is the obvious candidate to fill the void. But whether the Swabians will promote him immediately or pursue an emergency signing remains unclear. Wohlgemuth stressed there was still quality between the posts even without Seimen, but added that a transfer-market move could still be explored. As for Diehl, a loan to the 2. Liga had been mooted - though that now looks off the table too.
What’s next for VfB Stuttgart?
The club faces a rapid decision: start with Bredlow or bring in a new goalkeeper before the season kicks off. Their first competitive fixture is the home game against Paris FC on 1 August 2026. Title race: 27 points behind leaders Bayern München. Their last five matches read 1W-2D-2L (LLDDW), and their most recent outing ended in a 0-3 loss to Bayern Munich on 23 May 2026.
The injuries also raise squad-depth questions. Wohlgemuth hinted that the coming days would be spent assessing the situation. For the fans, the hope is that the absences prove short-lived - and that the team can still mount a strong start to the campaign.
