VfB Stuttgart issue positive Angelo Stiller injury update after Hoffenheim scare

VfB Stuttgart issue positive Angelo Stiller injury update after Hoffenheim scare VfB Stuttgart have confirmed that Angelo Stiller avoided a serious injury during Saturday’s 2-1 Bundesliga defeat away at Hoffenheim. The 25-year-old was forced off in the 35th minute after taking Ozan Kabak’s knee to his own knee inside the Hoffenheim penalty area. Stiller initially attempted to continue following treatment before eventually signalling that he could no longer play. Stuttgart have now provided a positive update, confirming that the Germany international suffered only a contusion. The club described the diagnosis as “fortunate under the circumstances”, although it remains unclear whether Stiller will require a short break from training. Sebastian Hoeneß had revealed immediately after the match that Stiller had sustained a hematoma around the knee, but was unable at the time to provide a firm diagnosis. The incident itself also formed part of the major refereeing controversy surrounding Stuttgart’s defeat. Get German Football News reported on Stuttgart’s frustration with VAR following the Hoffenheim loss , with both Hoeneß and sporting CEO Fabian Wohlgemuth questioning why no penalty was awarded. Hoeneß maintained that Kabak had clearly fouled Stiller and pointed to the midfielder’s immediate physical reaction as evidence. Referee Sven Jablonski reportedly told the Stuttgart coach that he had not seen the incident, prompting Hoeneß to question why the VAR did not subsequently give him an opportunity to review it. The positive medical update nevertheless means Stuttgart should not be without one of their most important midfielders for an extended period. Stiller has started all five of VfB’s competitive fixtures this season. Stuttgart host Borussia Dortmund next Saturday. The timing could also prove significant internationally. Stiller is among the candidates for new Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp’s first squad, which is due to be announced on Thursday. GGFN  |  Peter Weis