RB Leipzig in the cup duel: Injuries cloud the role of favorites!

RB Leipzig in the cup duel: Injuries cloud the role of favorites!

Things will get serious for RB Leipzig next week, as the team will face 1. FC Magdeburg in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup. The game kicks off in the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday at 9 p.m. Coach Ole Werner leaves no doubt that the FCM is a serious opponent. He describes the team as “technically strong” and potentially dangerous for the first division clubs. This underlines the explosive starting position, especially since Leipzig goes into the game as favorites despite personnel problems. Stern reports that...

However, the personnel concerns at RB Leipzig should not be underestimated. National player Ridle Baku will definitely not be taking part in the game due to an ankle injury that has been plaguing him recently. Again Kicker reports, an exact diagnosis of the injury is still pending and the period of his absence therefore remains uncertain. Baku has been irreplaceable in his appearances so far this season - he played all 14 competitive games and was in the starting line-up throughout.

Injuries and alternatives

But it's not just Baku that has to pass. Assan Ouédraogo, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Romulo and Timo Werner are also unable to play due to injuries. This makes coach Ole Werner think about the players who could fill in for Baku in the back four.He names Kosta Nedeljkovic and Lukas Klostermann as possible alternatives and hopes that they can turn things around.

A bright spot is the decision to start Maarten Vandevoordt in goal instead of Peter Gulacsi. This could be a refreshing change that could help Leipzig find the stability they need defensively. However, it's a tough battle on the injury front and it's not an easy situation for the entire team ahead of the cup game.

A preview of the game

Looking at the statistics and analyzes regarding injury risks in football, it can be seen that most injuries occur in the defensive and offensive central midfield, where most ball actions and duels take place. These findings, which Medical journal are published, shed further light on the challenges such a game can bring. The next few days are crucial for RB Leipzig in order to draw the right conclusions from the series of injuries and to be optimally prepared to face Magdeburg.