VfB Stuttgart host SC Freiburg at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on 1 February 2026, with kickoff at 14:30 UTC in Bundesliga Regular Season round 20. Stuttgart sit 5th on 36 points, firmly in the European race, while Freiburg are 7th on 27 points and chasing the pack.
VfB Stuttgart Availability
The hosts have mixed news regarding their squad depth. Defender Dan-Axel Zagadou is confirmed to miss the match due to a muscle injury. However, midfielder L. Jovanovic (back) and attacker Tiago Tomas (muscle) are both listed as questionable, meaning late fitness tests will determine their involvement. On a positive note, Stuttgart’s primary attacking engine remains fully functional: Deniz Undav, the league standout with 11 goals, is fit to lead the line. He is supported by the available Jamie Leweling (4 goals, 5 assists) and playmaker Angelo Stiller, ensuring the hosts retain their main offensive threat.
SC Freiburg Availability
Freiburg’s defensive planning hinges on several late decisions. Attacking midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is officially ruled out as he continues to regain match fitness. Crucially, mainstay defender Philipp Lienhart (abdominal strain) and right-back Lukas Kübler (injury) are both questionable. While the original outlook suggested Lienhart would miss the game, his status as a game-time decision provides a glimmer of hope for Christian Streich’s back line, though contingency plans remain in place should they fail their medical checks.
Impact Summary
While Zagadou and Kyereh are definite absentees, the tactical outlook for this match depends on the final fitness tests for Jovanovic, Tomas, and especially Lienhart. If Lienhart cannot start, Freiburg’s defense faces a significant challenge against Stuttgart’s fully fit attacking trio of Undav, Leweling, and Stiller. Conversely, should Stuttgart’s Tomas and Jovanovic fail to recover, their bench depth in transition could be tested. As it stands, the availability of Stuttgart's top scorers gives the hosts a slight psychological and tactical edge.
