Ermedin Demirović’s Continued Absence: Status, Impact, and Outlook for VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart continues to navigate an important phase of the season without one of its key attacking players, Ermedin Demirović. The forward, who initially sustained a foot injury earlier in the campaign, remains sidelined, and his long-anticipated return to full match fitness now appears increasingly unlikely before the end of the calendar year. This extended recovery period has influenced Stuttgart’s tactical setup, squad depth, and planning as the club works to maintain stability during a demanding stretch of fixtures.
Demirović’s injury centered on a developing fracture in the tarsal region of his foot—an area known for its sensitivity and slow healing process due to its structural importance and constant use in weight-bearing activity. Early medical assessments suggested that the forward would require an extended rest period before he could resume training, with initial estimates pointing toward approximately eight weeks on the sidelines.
The injury disrupted not only his club season but also his participation in international duties. Stuttgart confirmed that he would be unavailable for both Bundesliga and potential national team call-ups for the foreseeable future. As the weeks progressed, the club maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing medical prudence over any accelerated return to action.
Throughout the autumn months, Demirović’s rehabilitation followed a gradual and carefully monitored trajectory. In the early weeks, he relied on crutches and a protective orthopedic shoe to stabilize the injured foot and allow for proper healing. This was followed by phased mobility exercises and controlled physiotherapy sessions designed to restore movement without risking overstress.
By late November, the situation had begun to show signs of improvement. Reports indicated that Demirović had resumed running without significant limitations, marking an important milestone in his rehabilitation. This development signaled that the bone had healed sufficiently to handle controlled impact, although a return to competitive training involves an entirely different level of physical demand.
Even with these encouraging steps, neither the club nor the player offered definitive timelines for full reintegration. The consensus remained that although progress was positive, the process required patience to avoid re-injury.
Demirović’s absence has had notable implications for Stuttgart’s squad structure. As one of the team’s few natural centre-forwards, his injury left the coaching staff with limited options in the attacking third. The departure of another striker during the transfer window had already reduced depth, meaning Stuttgart entered a critical phase of the season without a clear like-for-like replacement.
As a result, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß had to adapt tactically, relying on alternative offensive configurations. This included shifting responsibilities to other forwards, altering striker roles, and at times adopting more flexible or improvisational attacking patterns. Players such as Deniz Undav have taken on greater workloads, and the team has occasionally operated without a traditional target man, depending instead on dynamic forward movements and positional interchanges.
In matches where Stuttgart struggled to convert opportunities or maintain physical presence in the box, Demirović’s absence was particularly noticeable. His ability to hold up play, press from the front, and serve as a focal point in the penalty area is an integral part of Stuttgart’s intended system. Consequently, the team has had to adjust both its build-up play and its approach to chance creation.
The coaching staff has remained measured in its public assessment of Demirović’s recovery. While acknowledging improvements in his condition, they have been careful not to raise unrealistic expectations about an early comeback. The foot remains a particularly delicate area for professional athletes, and premature return to full-intensity training carries elevated risks.
Head coach Hoeneß has repeatedly emphasized that the priority is long-term stability. Although he has expressed optimism about the progress made so far, he has also suggested that a return before the winter break would require not only full physical recovery but also match readiness — something difficult to achieve without first completing several full training sessions.
The medical team shares this cautious approach. Rehabilitation from bone-related injuries requires more than simply healing the injury site; strength recovery, joint coordination, and neuromuscular conditioning must also return to pre-injury levels. These elements cannot be rushed without compromising long-term performance and durability.
Demirović himself has expressed clear determination to return as soon as possible. In public comments, he has conveyed his commitment to completing rehabilitation diligently and his desire to help the team before the close of the year if feasible. His progress toward unrestricted running has reinforced his personal optimism.
However, even from the player’s side, there is recognition that the final phase—transitioning from rehabilitation to competitive training—is the most delicate part of the process. Players recovering from foot injuries often experience issues such as discomfort when striking the ball, hesitation in aggressive directional changes, and fatigue due to months of reduced training intensity. These factors highlight the importance of patience even in the face of personal motivation.
Given the current circumstances, the likelihood of Demirović returning to competitive matches before January appears remote. The club has not ruled out the possibility entirely, but the more realistic scenario points to a return after the winter break, when training resumes with a refreshed squad and adequate preparation time.
This timeline aligns with standard recovery patterns for bone injuries and provides a safer and more predictable framework for both the player and the coaching staff. A post-winter comeback would allow Demirović to reintegrate into the squad at a natural point in the season’s rhythm, reducing the risk of hastened preparation and ensuring he is better prepared for the rigors of the second half of the campaign.
Demirović’s eventual reintegration will carry significant benefits for Stuttgart. His presence restores balance to the attack, enhances squad rotation options, and reduces burden on other forwards. A fully fit Demirović also provides tactical clarity, enabling the coaching staff to reestablish their preferred system of play.
In the longer term, the situation underscores the importance of depth and injury management within the squad. Stuttgart’s handling of this case has demonstrated organizational patience and professionalism, prioritizing long-term performance over short-term fixes.