A painful collision against Bayer Leverkusen threatens to derail the RB Leipzig star’s first senior international call-up, leaving his status for Germany’s upcoming fixtures in serious jeopardy.
Brajan Gruda had barely had time to enjoy the biggest international news of his young career before the uncertainty arrived.
On Thursday, Jürgen Klopp selected the RB Leipzig attacker for Germany's senior squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Gruda had finally received the call-up he had been waiting for, with his first potential senior appearance scheduled for October.
Three days later, he was forced off injured against Bayer Leverkusen.
Gruda lasted just 26 minutes at the BayArena before Leipzig had to replace him. The 22-year-old appeared to be struggling around the right side of his abdomen and hip after taking a knock, leaving the pitch before the match had properly settled.
For a player who had just received his first senior call-up, the timing could hardly have been worse.
Germany's second squad is due to face Serbia in Munich on October 1 before travelling to Greece four days later. Those matches represent Gruda's opportunity to finally make his senior debut after previously training with the national team in 2024 and sitting on the bench against Ukraine.
Now he has to wait for further examinations.
Martin Demichelis did, however, provide some initial encouragement after Leipzig's 2-0 defeat.
"Brajan took a knock to the pelvis. We didn't want to take any risks. I don't think it's a serious injury."
That is the positive side of the situation, although it is not yet a confirmation that Gruda will be fit for Germany. AFP reported that the attacker left the stadium limping, while Demichelis stressed that further assessment would be necessary.
The injury was particularly frustrating because Gruda had become an important part of Demichelis' plans during a difficult opening to the season.
Leipzig had just demolished Hamburg 5-0 and travelled to Leverkusen looking to prove that their impressive home performance could be carried into an away game. Gruda started, but his early departure forced Demichelis to alter his plans long before Leipzig could establish control.
There was still plenty to like about Leipzig's opening half. Demichelis felt his team had been dominant for long stretches and believed the match was decided by small details rather than a fundamental difference between the sides.
That assessment was reflected in the scoreline.
The Red Bulls were competitive, but they failed to punish Leverkusen and conceded just before half-time when Patrik Schick converted Miguel Gutiérrez's cross. Gutiérrez then added the second after the break, leaving Leipzig without an away point after four Bundesliga matchdays.
For Demichelis, the defeat was another reminder of the margins his side are currently failing to control.
"The whole group feels that we are only losing because of small details. We have to be honest with each other and fight. There is only one way forward."
But the immediate concern is Gruda.
The call-up was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Leipzig attacker. He had already spoken about the emotion of receiving Klopp's message, describing how the news brought him to tears and made his parents extremely proud.
Now, instead of preparing for his first Germany appearance, Gruda faces a wait to discover whether the injury will keep him out.
Demichelis' early verdict gives Leipzig and Germany reason for optimism.
But until the examinations are complete, the question remains unanswered: will Brajan Gruda be fit in time to make the Germany debut he has just been handed?
