RB Leipzig are traveling to Italy with a mixed squad situation for their crucial Champions League opener at Como this Thursday. Six players will be unavailable for the match, which kicks off at 21:00 CET and is live on DAZN.
Manager Martin Demichelis's side aims to show the right reaction following their 3-1 defeat to Bremen. In the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig currently sit in 8th place with three points from two matches, having won one and lost one. They have scored four goals and conceded three, leaving them three points behind league leaders FC Augsburg.
Which players are missing for RB Leipzig in Como?
The injury list is significant. Rocco Reitz is out with a thigh injury. Vice-captain Christoph Baumgartner also has a thigh issue and is not planned to return until the first half of the season. Attacking midfielder Brajan Gruda, who suffered leg pain after a blow and missed the Bremen match, took part in final training but is not expected to play the full 90 minutes. Defender Castello Lukeba returned to training after muscular problems but is listed among the current injuries.
Youngster Assan Ouédraogo is back in team training following a shoulder injury but requires a careful build-up. These absences present Demichelis with a tactical puzzle for the important away fixture.
Which players are returning for Leipzig?
There is positive news as well. Striker Romulo is fit again after dealing with knee tendon irritation. He missed the first three competitive matches of the season and could now inject fresh pace into the attack. His comeback is timely to bolster an offensive line that has been hit by setbacks.
Castello Lukeba's return to training is another good sign for the defense, even if his availability for Como remains uncertain. The return of these players provides much-needed squad depth for the demanding Champions League schedule.
What is RB Leipzig's goal in the Champions League?
The memory of their early exit in the group stage two seasons ago, where they earned just three points from eight matches, remains fresh. The club's management has therefore set a clear objective: reaching the knockout stages. Securing three points in Como would be an important first step, considering the other opponents in the group.
Manager Martin Demichelis will outline his tactical plans in a press conference in Como around 19:15 CET. He will be accompanied by the so-called 'king transfer', Christopher Nkunku. Demichelis stressed the need for a response: "When you lose, the best thing is to play again immediately. We have to show the right reaction."
Focus is now fully on European competition before attention turns back to the Bundesliga and a home match against bottom-placed Hamburger SV on September 13. You can view the full fixtures schedule for Die Roten Bullen on our site. The next challenge awaits in Italy, where Leipzig must prove they have learned from past mistakes.
