Christoph Baumgartner is set for a comeback in the RB Leipzig squad. The Austrian midfielder will be available for the Champions League match at Real Madrid on Wednesday, having missed the entire pre-season and the first six Bundesliga matches. The team, sitting seventh in the Bundesliga with nine points, is looking for a positive reaction to the recent 4-1 defeat in Madrid on Saturday 21 October.
Baumgartner sustained the injury during preparations with the Austrian national team for the World Cup. His return comes at a critical time for coach Martin Demichelis's side, who lost 4-1 at Real Madrid on Tuesday and sit seventh in the Bundesliga with nine points from six games, leaving them five points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
A vital boost after setbacks
The return of last season's 13-goal scorer is intended to provide fresh impetus. RB Leipzig recently suffered a 6-1 defeat at Bayern Munich and took zero points from their last three away league matches. Their recent form over the last five matches shows two wins and three losses, having lost the last two encounters. "It's no use tearing ourselves apart now," said midfield colleague Nicolas Seiwald after the latest loss.
Baumgartner, who scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, has been a noticeable absence in the team's attack. This season, the team has scored 16 goals but has also conceded 11. Top scorer so far is Christopher Nkunku with four goals. The return of a creative force like Baumgartner could improve their conversion rate ahead of the important home fixture.
RB Leipzig's next outing is at home against sixth-placed SV Elversberg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, 24 October. This match offers a chance to improve on a record of three wins and three losses from their first six league games and move up the table.
More detail at Der Standard Sport
