Dan-Axel Zagadou makes injury comeback for Stuttgart

Dan-Axel Zagadou has taken an important step towards returning to full fitness after making his competitive comeback for VfB Stuttgart’s reserve team following several months on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old centre-back featured in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over SC Verl in Germany’s 3. Liga, marking his first competitive appearance of the 2026/27 campaign.

Zagadou was handed a starting role by U21 coach Nico Willig, who included the experienced defender in his backline for the encounter at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena.

However, his involvement was limited to 30 minutes, with Maximilian Herwerth replacing him in the 31st minute as part of an agreed plan to gradually rebuild his match fitness.

The substitution was not injury-related, with Stuttgart carefully managing his workload following a lengthy absence.

Zagadou had been recovering from a muscular injury to his left thigh sustained during a pre-season friendly against Everton in August.

His return represents encouraging news for Stuttgart, who will hope the former Borussia Dortmund defender can regain full fitness and provide additional defensive options for the senior team.

The defender will now continue working towards a complete return to competitive action.