Tim Kleindienst Makes Starting Lineup Comeback in Gladbach Friendly Win
Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Tim Kleindienst made his first starting appearance in over 14 months during a pre-season friendly against third-division side Rot-Weiß Essen on July 25, 2026. The 2-1 victory in front of 8,821 spectators marked a significant milestone for Kleindienst, who had been sidelined since a knee injury requiring two operations. He played 33 minutes before being replaced by new signing Isac Lidberg as planned. Kleindienst nearly assisted a goal in the 32nd minute, but the effort was ruled offside. Hugo Bolin and Wael Mohya scored for Gladbach, while Edin Biber scored an own goal. The match also saw Ukrainian new signing Yukhym Konoplia limp off after just 12 minutes due to a knee injury following a heavy challenge. Gladbach's competitive season begins August 23 in the DFB-Pokal against Schott Mainz, followed by a Bundesliga opener at RB Leipzig on August 29.
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