Abdoul Kone sidelined by shoulder injury at RB Leipzig

Abdoul Kone’s push to force his way into RB Leipzig’s plans has been delayed by a shoulder injury.

The 21-year-old centre-back picked up a capsule injury in his right shoulder during training, and the club confirmed he will be eased back in over the coming weeks.

The timing is frustrating for Kone, who had just returned from his loan spell at Stade Reims with the aim of fighting for a bigger role in Leipzig’s defence. He had been viewed as a realistic challenger to Willi Orban in the heart of the back line, especially after collecting regular minutes in France last season.

Instead of joining the early battle for a starting spot, Kone must now step aside and recover before he can resume full training. RB Leipzig did not give a precise return date, only stating that his comeback will depend on how he responds to the rehab process.

For the defender, it is a setback at exactly the wrong moment, but the injury is not expected to keep him out for the long term. Leipzig will now have to wait before seeing whether he can turn his recent loan experience into a stronger role at the club.