Stuttgart Updates: Stenzel done for the year, club reportedly lines up replacement for Sosa
VfB Stuttgart confirmed on Monday that central defender/fullback Pascal Stenzel was lost for the season with an abdominal muscle injury.
In other Stuttgart news, German footballing magazine Kicker reports that the club may have a replacement for Borna Sosa lined up.
In all likelihood, Pascal Stenzel will not feature again this season for Pellegrino Matarazzo's embattled VfB Stuttgart. The BaWü capital club that the injury the defender sustained in Sunday's loss to Hertha BSC will keep the 26-year-old sidelined for the duration of the year.
In other Stuttgart news, German footballing magazine Kicker reports that the club may have a replacement for Borna Sosa lined up.
Stenzel made 16 league appearances this season. With injures, suspensions, and COVID afflicting the VfB defensive corps recently, Stenzel started seven of the last eight matches. The news proves most unwelcome as the Swabians find themselves embroiled in a tough relegation fight.
ℹ️ Pascal #Stenzel hat sich im Spiel #BSCVfB einen kleinen Abriss der Bauchmuskulatur am Beckenkamm zugezogen. Voraussichtlich fällt der 26-Jährige bis zum Saisonende aus. Gute Besserung, Pascal❗️
— VfB Stuttgart (@VfB) April 25, 2022
Zur Meldung auf https://t.co/BsTppMGcO5 👇https://t.co/dnFX9vgama#VfB
Irrespective of whether the VfB gets relegated this year, some re-stocking at the back looks to be necessary. Rumors that left-back Borna Sosa might be headed to Barcelona after the season concludes continued to intensify.
At present, there is also some talk that the Blaugrana are interested in acquiring RB Leipzig left-wingback Angelino to replace the departing Jordi Alba. Such a move would make sense from the player's perspective, given that Angelino is reported to be considering a move back to his native country. the 25-year-old even has family in Barcelona.
Sosa likely remains the more likely candidate. Both players reportedly have exit clauses in their contracts. Whereas Angelino could cost the Culés up to €50 million, Sosa's release clause can be activated for approximately half that.
German footballing magazine Kicker reports that Stuttgart are preparing for the departure and even have a replacement lined up. Turkish international Ridvan Yilmaz of Besiktas Istanbul is apparently on the ledger.
The 20-year-old--entering the final year of his contract next season--has a market value of €5.5 million in the latest transfermarkt listings.