What happened?

VfL Wolfsburg trained on Tuesday without goalkeeper Lukasz Grabara, who missed the session due to a minor muscle strain. Despite scorching temperatures on the so‑called Magath hill, named after manager‑sporting director Rudi Magath, the squad completed an intense training unit. Manager‑sporting director Rudi Magath stressed that the absence of the number‑one keeper would not hold the team back.

Why does it matter for the club?

Grabara's loss hits Wolfsburg at a crucial moment: the side currently sits 16th in the Bundesliga with 29 points from 34 games (7 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses) and has a recent form of LDWLD, losing the last two matches. The defence has already conceded 69 goals while the attack has only scored 45 – a –24 goal difference that underlines the relegation threat. Without Grabara, the goalkeeper position could become even more unstable, worsening an already fragile defensive record.

How is the team responding?

Despite the setback, the training showed positive signs. Striker Mats Hummels and winger Luka Jovic used the heat to fine‑tune their runs, while midfielder Max Kretschmer improved ball circulation in tight spaces. Magath used the situation to test fitness and said the squad "gets stronger under pressure." The coaching staff plans to give the young backup keepers more minutes in the upcoming fixtures, allowing Grabara time to recover.

What comes next?

The next league match is on July 13 against newly promoted FC Heidenheim, a game that could decide survival. Wolfsburg must tighten the defence and boost attacking output to close the 60‑point gap to leaders Bayern Munich. Magath is likely to adopt a more compact pressing style to shrink the spaces in front of his own goal. Fans will be watching to see if the young keepers seize the chance and steer the team out of the crisis.

Current standing: 16th, 29 points, form LDWLD, last loss 2‑1 to SC Paderborn 07 on May 25 2026.