Leipzig Face Nkunku Injury Scare Ahead Of Elversberg Clash

RB Leipzig face another important Bundesliga test against Elversberg on Saturday, but Martín Demichelis has been handed mixed news regarding his squad.

While Christoph Baumgartner is ready to return to the matchday squad, Christopher Nkunku's availability remains uncertain after the French attacker missed Friday's training session with an adductor problem.

Meanwhile, Assan Ouédraogo and Marc Guiu remain sidelined, leaving Demichelis with several decisions to make as Leipzig look to recover from consecutive heavy defeats against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Baumgartner Returns After Five Months Out

One of the few positives from the Red Bulls' 4-1 Champions League defeat in Madrid was the return of Christoph Baumgartner.

The Austrian midfielder made his first appearance after 158 days on the sidelines and immediately made an impact, providing the assist for Tidiam Gomis' goal in the 85th minute.

His return offers Demichelis another creative option at a time when Leipzig desperately needs to rediscover their attacking rhythm.

However, the club confirmed that Baumgartner is not expected to start against Elversberg because of the length of his absence.

Instead, Die Roten Bullen are likely to manage his minutes carefully as he continues rebuilding his fitness.

Having already demonstrated his ability to influence a match against Real Madrid, Baumgartner could become an important option from the bench.

Nkunku's Fitness Creates Another Problem

The bigger concern for the club is Christopher Nkunku.

The French attacker missed Friday's team training session because of an adductor problem, leaving his participation against Elversberg in doubt.

According to RB's official squad update, a final decision regarding his availability will be made on Saturday morning.

Nkunku has become one of Leipzig's most important attacking players since returning to the club this summer.

His hat-trick in the 6-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt demonstrated the quality he brings, while his experience and creativity remain valuable in Demichelis' attacking system.

Losing him would be another setback for Demichelis, particularly after their recent struggles against stronger opposition.

With Baumgartner unlikely to start, Demichelis may have to find alternative solutions if Nkunku is also unavailable.

Demichelis Needs An Urgent Response After Two Heavy Defeats

Leipzig's recent results have placed significant pressure on their coach.

The 6-1 defeat against Bayern Munich was followed by a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid, meaning the Red Bulls have conceded ten goals in their last two matches.

Although Demichelis praised the improvement in performance against Madrid, the results have exposed serious defensive weaknesses.

Saturday's home encounter with Elversberg represents an opportunity to regain confidence and return to winning ways.

However, Leipzig will have to approach the fixture without Ouédraogo, who continues to recover from a capsular injury to his right shoulder, and Guiu, who remains sidelined with a muscular problem.

The uncertainty surrounding Nkunku adds another complication, but Baumgartner's return provides some encouragement.

For Demichelis, the priority is clear: Leipzig needs three points, a more convincing defensive performance, and a positive response after a difficult week.

From here the stage only gets bigger.