According to Spox, Kleindienst finally returned after a 14-month injury layoff.

The Borussia Monchengladbach captain had been sidelined for a long time due to a serious injury, even missing the FIFA World Cup. Now, he is eager to return to the field.

Kleindienst immediately got back into the rhythm of the game. The Borussia Monchengladbach captain had waited 14 months for a starting opportunity, and in a recent warm-up match against Essen (2-1), he almost provided an assist for the team's lead – unfortunately, the referee ruled him offside. "I was two or three physical points short at the time and couldn't run back in time," said the 30-year-old forward.

But more importantly: Kleindienst is finally back. In May 2025, he suffered a serious knee injury. Although he was appointed captain shortly after, he never led the team onto the field since then. After two surgeries and multiple injury relapses, he only had three brief substitute appearances. On Saturday in Essen, he finally entered the field as a starting center forward.

"It feels great to be back in the game. The intensity of the match cannot be replicated in training," said Kleindienst. Although he was substituted in the 32nd minute, it was not a cause for concern: "I could have played longer, but it was all pre-arranged."

Until recently, Kleindienst even hoped to participate in the FIFA World Cup, having scored 4 goals in 6 games for the German national team, which was very convincing. Before his injury, he maintained a similar goal-scoring efficiency at Borussia Monchengladbach, scoring 16 goals in 31 league matches in the 2024-25 season alone. "Kleindienst is our Harry Kane. In the locker room, on the field, and for the fans, in every aspect," sporting director Rouven Schröder once commented.

Although he made a brief appearance in the last game of last season, he still missed the FIFA World Cup. However, this allowed Kleindienst to not only promote his personal brand "Smallservice" but, more importantly, to fully prepare for his comeback. "He trained extra throughout the summer break and returned with great confidence. He is very eager to be involved in the game again," said Schröder. Sometimes, it was even necessary to "put the brakes" on the somewhat impatient forward.

Because Kleindienst urgently wants to play. "I need playing time now to build up my fitness," he said after the match against Essen. In this Saturday's warm-up match against Hansa Rostock, he plans to have more playing time. The first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 23 against Mainz Schott will be his first real test. "The plan is to stay on the field for as long as possible," said Kleindienst.

The veteran has plenty of time, as he extended his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach until 2029 during his injury layoff. "After such a long break, the focus is not on getting back on the field as quickly as possible," said Schröder, but "to maintain the highest level long-term." Just like he used to.

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