Key Takeaways
- Maximilian Arnold will miss Wolfsburg’s final matches of the 2025/26 campaign due to a groin setback.
- The skipper suffered a relapse during training after weeks of struggling with fitness.
- He will also be unavailable for any potential relegation play-off fixtures.
VfL Wolfsburg face a tough end to their campaign without their leader on the pitch. Club captain Maximilian Arnold will sit out the remaining fixtures of the 2025/26 season due to ongoing groin trouble.
The 31-year-old midfielder had hoped to return for the crucial clashes against SC Freiburg, Bayern Munich, and FC St. Pauli. However, a fresh setback during Sunday’s training session has forced the medical team to end his season early.
Head coach Dieter Hecking confirmed that the player had shown signs of improvement recently. Yet the skipper never reached full match fitness for his demanding role in the centre of the park.
“The player showed improvement recently, yet he never regained full fitness for his demanding position,” Hecking explained in a club statement. “Sadly, he had a relapse during Sunday’s session. The medical team and I decided to pull him from the squad completely. We must also protect him for the 2026-27 season.”
The timing could not be worse for the Lower-Saxony side. They remain in danger of the drop zone. If they finish 16th and face a relegation play-off, Arnold will watch from the stands.
The midfielder, who recently marked his 400th Bundesliga appearance for the Wolves, expressed his frustration. He featured in 25 league matches this term before injury struck.
“The medical staff gave me excellent support, and I tried every option recently,” Arnold said. “When you understand it just cannot work, you must accept a tough decision.”
“Those who know me understand how much it hurts to miss these crucial matches. I cannot help the lads stay up,” he added. “Even while I follow my rehab plan, I will stay close to the boys and support our shared dream of remaining in the top flight.”