Leipzig without forward Werner for longer than initially expected

RB Leipzig will be without forward Timo Werner for longer than initially expected due to an adductor issue.

“The problems are becoming more persistent,” coach Marco Rose said in a news conference on Friday.

Werner missed three games last month, including the Champions League match at Manchester City on Tuesday, and will not be available for the Bundesliga clash against Heidenheim on Saturday.

It’s unclear how long the forward will be sidelined.

Werner had to deal with back issues earlier this season and last year he missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a ligament tear.

His fitness issues put into doubt his participation at the Euro 2024 with Germany.

There is also speculation that Werner could transfer to another club in the winter. The club is reportedly considering a loan abroad.

Captain Willi Orban, meanwhile, is not expected to play again this year due to a torn knee ligament. Coach Rose expects to have him back once training resumes on Jan. 2 following the winter break.

“We want to be in the best possible starting position for the second half of the season.

“We’re obviously hopeful that we’ll have both our captain Willi Orban and one of our key players Dani Olmo back by then.

“Then we’ll be able to really kick on in the new year,” he said.

Olmo hasn’t played since October also due to injury.