Stuttgart enter the new Bundesliga season under considerable strain, with a mounting injury crisis threatening to undermine their preparations for one of the toughest possible opening fixtures. The 4-0 DFB-Pokal win at Hansa Rostock on August 21 offered encouragement, but the match came at a cost. Nikolas Nartey, who had emerged as one of the standout performers of pre-season after reinventing himself as a right-back, lasted just nine minutes before suffering a hamstring injury. The setback is a cruel blow for a player who had fought back from years of serious injury problems to earn a starting role.

With Lorenz Assignon already sidelined from a shoulder operation and goalkeeper Dennis Seimen ruled out until at least late September, Sebastian Hoeneß faces a defensive reshuffle before Friday's trip to the Allianz Arena. Chris Fuhrich also left the Rostock pitch with a thigh knock, and his availability remains uncertain. Should he miss out, Stuttgart could be without up to eight players against the reigning champions. Josha Vagnoman, who had been considered a potential departure given Nartey's form, now steps back in as first-choice right-back.

Off the pitch, the transfer situation has clarified. Ermedin Demirovic rejected a move to Galatasaray despite a package reportedly worth more than 15 million euros net over three years, according to Sky. The Bosnian striker feels settled in Stuttgart and intends to compete for his place alongside new signing Dzenan Pejcinovic, who cost 25 million euros from Wolfsburg and scored on his competitive debut against Rostock. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, will be without Jamal Musiala for the Bundesliga opener due to a neurological condition, which offers Stuttgart a marginal boost ahead of a fixture that has produced five consecutive defeats for the Swabians.