Kruse in action as Stuttgart held by Mainz

Robbie Kruse was in action as Stuttgart missed another opportunity to move out of the Bundesliga relegation zone as they were held to a goalless draw by Mainz.

Robbie Kruse will head back to Bayer Leverkusen after an unsuccessful loan move at Stuttgart Source: Getty Images

Kruse, who is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, replaced Serey Die at half-time but was unable to help Stuttgart to a much-needed victory.

After Alexandru Maxim was denied by Loris Karius, Timo Werner thought he had given Stuttgart the lead on the half-hour mark - only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.

Lukas Rupp hit the post 10 minutes before half-time as Stuttgart continued to have the better chances, despite the hosts having more possession.

Mainz improved in that department in the second half with Pablo De Blasis forcing a fine save out of Przemyslaw Tyton.

It proved to be the closest they came to scoring, while Stuttgart failed to threaten Karius's goal again as both teams settled for the draw.

The result at least saw Stuttgart end a run of three straight away defeats in the Bundesliga.