VfB Stuttgart, without their top scorer Serhou Guirassy, crashed to a 3-1 loss at Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday in their return to Bundesliga action after the winter break.

Guinea international Guirassy, who has scored 17 times in the Bundesliga this season, is on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, and without him Stuttgart were lacking their usual efficiency up front but are still third on 34 points, one ahead of RB Leipzig.

Gladbach's Robin Hack slotted in to give them the lead after just 21 seconds and he doubled their advantage 18 minutes later from a superb Alassane Plea through ball.

Stuttgart hit the post through Deniz Undav in the 32nd and had several more opportunities before Josha Vagnoman pulled one back with a powerful shot in the 56th.

With the visitors pushing for an equaliser, Gladbach struck on the break with Jordan slotting in on the rebound in stoppage time after Manu Kone's shot had bounced off the crossbar.