VfB Stuttgart go into the game against RB Leipzig with great respect for attacking ace Xavi Simons and without the injured international Maximilian Mittelstädt. Simons is a "world-class" player, said coach Sebastian Hoeneß ahead of the first half of the Bundesliga season on Wednesday (20:30/Sky). But that's not the only reason why a "huge task" awaits his team against RB.
Muscular problems for Mittelstädt
Dutch international Simons made a strong comeback on Sunday after a month-long injury lay-off, scoring twice in Leipzig's 4-2 win over Werder Bremen. The Saxons also have Benjamin Sesko, Loïs Openda and Antonio Nusa in attack, Hoeneß added. Leipzig are "really hot" at the moment, he said.
The loss of left-back Mittelstädt may therefore be particularly painful for Stuttgart. The 27-year-old is complaining of muscular problems in his adductor area, as Hoeneß announced. Mittelstädt was substituted in VfB's 1-0 defeat at FC Augsburg at the weekend. It remains to be seen whether he will be available again on Saturday against SC Freiburg.
Undav possibly a wild card again
Ramon Hendriks is set to replace him against RB. The 23-year-old, who had already replaced Mittelstädt at Augsburg, is a "defensive monster", said Hoeneß. The fact that the Dutchman is also capable of defending at high speed could be important against Leipzig's nimble attack.
The coach did not reveal whether Stuttgart international striker Deniz Undav would return to the starting eleven. He explained that the workload had to be increased carefully - even for Undav. The 28-year-old - like Leipzig's Simons - celebrated a dream comeback against Augsburg and scored VfB's winner as a wild card at the first attempt.
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