Ex-Brentford striker suffers 'potentially life-threatening' injury during Bundesliga clash as two players hospitalised in 0-0 draw

Friday's relegation battle between the two sides saw Hofmann and goalkeeper Kevin Muller both hospitalised after some nasty collisions. Hofmann crashed into Marvin Pieringer and was taken to hospital where it emerged he had suffered a broken rib and a collapsed lung. Bochum admitted the injury was "potentially life-threatening." Muller was also seriously injured and taken to hospital after being stretchered off. The goalkeeper was knocked unconscious after colliding with Ibrahima Sissoko and suffered a concussion.

The club offered more detail on Hoffman in a statement: "Philipp Hofmann suffered a serious injury during VfL Bochum 1848's away game in Heidenheim. The VfL striker suffered a broken rib after a collision with his opponent Marvin Pieringer, with the rib piercing the pleura and causing a collapsed lung - a potentially life-threatening injury. Hofmann owes it only to the careful first aid and immediate examinations and actions at the local hospital that nothing more serious happened. A minor operation using chest drainage relieved the injury, restoring lung function. 'Hoffi' will remain in the hospital for observation and treatment until he is fit to be transported. VfL Managing Director Dirk Dufner visited him in the hospital this morning and conveyed the team's best wishes for a speedy recovery, which has since begun its journey home. For Philipp Hofmann, the injury means he will no longer be able to support the team on the pitch this season. We wish our number 33 all the best - 'Hoffi', you are a fighter, you can do it!"

Hofmann has spent the majority of his career in the Bundesliga but did enjoy two years with Brentford between 2015 and 2017. He joined Bochum on a free transfer in 2022 and has been a regular this season for Dieter Hecking's side. Friday's game ended in a 0-0 draw which leaves Bochum bottom of the table and looking destined for relegation. Heidenheim sit four points above Bochum and currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.

Hofmann will not play any further part in Bochum's season and will instead focus on his recovery. It's not clear yet when Muller will be ready to play again after sustaining a concussion and spending the night in hospital.