Stuttgart's season is already being defined by an injury crisis before a Bundesliga ball has been kicked. The 4-0 DFB-Pokal win at Hansa Rostock on August 21 was overshadowed almost immediately by fresh fitness concerns, with Nikolas Nartey pulling up after just nine minutes with a hamstring injury. Nartey had been one of the standout performers in pre-season, earning the right-back spot ahead of Josha Vagnoman after a remarkable recovery from years of serious injuries. His absence is a real blow. Chris Führich also left the pitch in Rostock with a thigh problem, and his availability for the trip to Bayern Munich on August 28 remains uncertain. Combined with the longer-term absences of Dennis Seimen, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Lorenz Assignon, Leo Sauer, Justin Diehl and Jeremy Arevalo, Sebastian Hoeness could be without up to eight players at the Allianz Arena.

The transfer situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Galatasaray have now submitted an improved bid of 18 million euros for striker Ermedin Demirovic, according to reports, though Stuttgart are holding firm and demanding over 20 million. Demirovic publicly committed to the club earlier this month, but the interest from Istanbul is persistent. Meanwhile, new signing Dzenan Pejcinovic, brought in for 25 million euros from Wolfsburg, scored on his debut against Rostock and gives Hoeness at least one positive to build around. Stuttgart face a brutal opening fixture against the reigning champions, who won the DFB-Pokal final 3-0 against them in May.