RB Leipzig's Squad Boost as Training Resumes
Leipzig's coaching staff got a much-needed boost during training sessions on Wednesday. Sidekick Marco Rose greeted a larger pool of players, including El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who returned after recovering from a knee injury. Bitshiabu, the French central defender acquired from Paris in the summer, rejoined Bundesliga contenders RB Leipzig's star players such as Kevin Kampl and Willi Orban.
Training sessions saw Bitshiabu back in action, following his setback that kept him out of competitive competition until now. Leipzig will take on VfL Wolfsburg once again on Saturday, at 3.30 p.m., with Sky Sports broadcasting the action.
Kampl, a midfielder, was also partially involved in the sessions following his ankle problems. Meanwhile, Peter Gulacsi and captain Willi Orban trained individually, with Gulacsi nursing a bruised toe and Orban still battling a torn knee ligament since October.
Timo Werner, the attacking talent, was sidelined due to adductor problems, while Castello Lukeba took a leave of absence for stress management reasons.
Though presently in a tough spot with injuries and suspensions ahead of the VfL Wolfsburg match, Leipzig might deploy a makeshift back-three consisting of Lutsharel Geertruida, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, and Castello Lukeba. This development could see Leipzig line up with Peter Gulacsi in goal and a central midfield pairing of Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl, employing a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Meanwhile, Gulacsi isn't the only goalkeeper dealing with an injury concern. Willi Orban is currently serving a suspension, leaving the team without their regular captain and defensive linchpin. Additionally, Benjamin Henrichs and Yussuf Poulsen are both ruled out for the rest of the season, with Forzan Assan Ouedraogo and Xaver Schlager still battling fitness concerns.
Enrichment Data Integration:
RB Leipzig is bracing for multiple absences ahead of their match against VfL Wolfsburg. Although no direct information is available regarding Bitshiabu’s injury status, he had played his last game on the 21st matchday of the 2024/25 season, and has been involved in subsequent matches without any known injury.
The team is currently dealing with a slew of injuries, including captain Willi Orban’s suspension, Benjamin Henrichs’ season-ending blow, and extended absences for Yussuf Poulsen and Forzan Assan Ouedraogo. As a result, Leipzig might field a makeshift back-three in the upcoming match, with the possibility of seeing Lutsharel Geertruida, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, and Castello Lukeba in action.
