Josha Vagnoman sustained an injury while at the European Under-21 Championship with Germany and has been sidelined since with a stress reaction in the metatarsal. The full-back will miss the first round of the DFB Cup against TSG Balingen (12 August, 13:00 CEST) and the Bundesliga opener against VfL Bochum (19 August, 15:30 CEST).
“It’s hard for me at the moment with the injury, but it’s part and parcel and I have to take it as it comes,” said Vagnoman. “I’m working towards my comeback and will give everything to be back with the team as soon as possible.”
Vagnoman has no doubt that the team have gelled during pre-season, not just as players but also as people. “We have a very good team fabric,” added the 22-year-old. “When I joined, I was also very quickly and very well incorporated. I found it easy to settle in.”
The Germany international is still training away from his team-mates and has mostly been on his own during his rehab. “My daily routine at the moment is like this: I train at the VfB rehabilitation centre in the morning, where I go through my programme with the coaches and receive physio treatments. After that I normally have time to do my own exercises to keep myself fit.” And it’s working: “My foot’s fine again now, I’m pain-free and comfortable. That gives me hope.”