RB Leipzig will receive a major attacking boost for their Champions League match against Manchester City. Christoph Baumgartner will start on Wednesday. The team, sitting 4th in the Bundesliga with 15 points from 8 games, needs fresh impetus after the recent 2-3 home defeat to Manchester City on 4 November.
The midfielder suffered a torn tendon in his thigh and has been sidelined for a long period. He only returned to full team training recently. So far this season, he has made just two brief substitute appearances. Against Manchester City, he is expected to play for a longer period. His comeback could aid an attack that has scored 22 league goals this season, with Christopher Nkunku the top scorer on 4 goals.
Martin Demichelis said the team trained with the player and he will be in the starting lineup. The Austrian's return is a significant boost for the side. The last meeting with City ended in a home defeat for Leipzig. In that match, Ridle Baku and Antonio Nusa scored for Leipzig, but it wasn't enough.
Ralf Rangnick, who knows Baumgartner from the Austrian national team, praised the player's early impact. In his first appearances for Leipzig, the player contributed to several goals. His comeback comes during a period with mixed results. Their recent form from the last five matches shows three wins and two defeats.
The task against Luis Enrique's side, which has scored many goals in the Champions League, will be a tough one. The coach emphasised an attacking philosophy ahead of the match. For RB Leipzig, the Champions League fixture is the next opportunity to prove themselves against a European elite club. In the Bundesliga, they are chasing the leaders and currently sit three points behind Bayern München. The full lineup for the match will be announced on Wednesday.
More detail at Kleine Zeitung Sport
