Borussia Mönchengladbach Midfielder Jens Castrop Faces Extended Layoff After Shoulder Surgery

Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Jens Castrop is set for a significant period out of action after the club announced he requires surgery for an injured shoulder. The South Korean international sustained the injury, a dislocated shoulder, during a pre-season friendly against FC Rottach-Egern. Following the incident, Castrop returned to the club for further assessment.

The club confirmed on Saturday that the 23-year-old is scheduled for surgery in the coming days, which will render him unavailable for several months. Borussia Mönchengladbach has not provided a precise timeline for Castrop's return to play.

Previous Injury Resilience

This is not the first major injury challenge Castrop has faced. Borussia Mönchengladbach signed Castrop from 1. FC Nürnberg in February 2025. Prior to his move, he had become a key player for Nürnberg under Miroslav Klose, showcasing a valuable box-to-box midfield profile.

His final months with Nürnberg were marred by injury. In April 2025, Castrop suffered a partial tear of the lateral ligament in his right knee during a 2. Bundesliga match against Paderborn. Initially, fears of a prolonged absence were high, with the midfielder requiring a stretcher.

However, the diagnosis proved less severe than initially feared. Castrop made a successful recovery in time to participate in Mönchengladbach's pre-season preparations and gradually integrate into Bundesliga football.

Versatility as a Key Asset

Castrop's inaugural season at Borussia Mönchengladbach highlighted his versatility, extending beyond his preferred central midfield role. He featured in various midfield configurations and even proved surprisingly effective as a wing-back under Eugen Polanski.

This adaptability became increasingly crucial throughout Mönchengladbach's turbulent 2025/26 season. Castrop emerged as one of the more successful signings from the club's previous transfer window. Simultaneously, his international career took a notable turn.

After representing Germany at youth levels, Castrop opted to switch allegiance to South Korea, a decision stemming from his maternal heritage. He spoke openly about his choice, detailing his connection to both nations, his efforts to learn Korean, and the cultural adaptation involved in joining the South Korean national team.

This international switch quickly led to senior caps, further underscoring Castrop's progress after his knee injury had threatened his development just months earlier.

Another Significant Rehabilitation Awaits

While the current shoulder injury is unrelated to his past knee issues, the implications are again substantial. Instead of building on a season where he demonstrated his ability to fill multiple roles, Castrop now faces months of rehabilitation following surgery at the start of the new campaign.

His absence also removes one of Mönchengladbach's most flexible players from the squad. Castrop is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder (number six) or a box-to-box midfielder (number eight), and proved last season he can also cover wider areas when needed.

The duration of Castrop's recovery and how quickly he can return to full contact training will be critical. The club's decision not to set a specific return date suggests that patience will be a key factor in his rehabilitation process.

Borussia Mönchengladbach's sporting director, Rouven Schröder, expressed his disappointment and wished Castrop a speedy recovery:

"This is bitter news for all of us," Schröder stated. "Now we hope for a good and speedy recovery so that Jens can subsequently rejoin the competition for places."