Stuttgart's first-choice full-back is expected to be fit for selection now that the stitches on his ankle have started to heal.

Sebastian Hoeneß has given a positive update on Maximilian Mittelstädt as VfB Stuttgart prepare to face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.

“Maxi has largely recovered from his laceration on his heel and is back in training,” Hoeneß said in his press conference this afternoon.

“It's possible he'll be back in the squad for the match against Atlético Madrid. Niko [Nartey] and Ameen [Al-Dakhil] were also in training again,” he added.

Looking ahead to the game itself against the side ranked second-place in La Liga, Hoeneß stressed the need for strong organisation.

"Finding the right balance between intensity and composure will be crucial. We need good structure and good balance.

“We have to be very alert, especially during the opponent's transitions,” he noted alongside having strong positioning, pressing, and tempo. 

Hoeneß touched on the opposition coached by Diego Simione and underlined the dangers the club from the Spanish capital possess.

“Atletico is among the very best in European football; it’s because of matches like this that we’ve been eagerly anticipating the Champions League.

“They are an exciting team with incredibly talented individual players. We want to test ourselves against Atletico," he concluded.