Tim Kleindienst Returns to Borussia Mönchengladbach Lineup After Year-Long Injury

After a 14‑month recovery from a serious knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup, Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Tim Kleindienst made his first appearance in a friendly against Rot‑Weiss Essen. He helped create the opening goal before being ruled offside, and said he needs more minutes to rebuild fitness. Kleindienst, who scored 16 goals in 31 league matches before his injury, expects more playing time in upcoming tests and the cup match on 23 August.

The club also signed Swedish striker Isac Lidberg for €3.5 million. Lidberg, the former 2. Liga top scorer with 31 goals, sees Kleindienst as a rival and aims to earn a place in the starting eleven. Both forwards will compete for the central attacking role as Gladbach prepares for the new season.