RB Leipzig will likely begin the new year without their defensive stalwart Castello Lukeba.
Head coach Marco Rose confirmed that Lukeba, sidelined by a thigh muscle injury, is not expected to return until mid-January or early February.
The French defender’s absence casts doubt over his availability for crucial fixtures, starting with the home clash against SV Werder Bremen on January 12. Upcoming matches against VfB Stuttgart (January 15), VfL Bochum (January 18), Bayer Leverkusen (January 25), and Union Berlin (February 1) are also uncertain for the 20-year-old.
Lukeba’s injury, sustained in the latter part of the first half of the season, has been a significant blow to Leipzig’s defensive setup. With a tight Bundesliga schedule looming, the team faces a challenging task to maintain stability in his absence.
Leipzig fans will be hoping for a swift recovery from their promising center-back, whose return could be pivotal as the season progresses. For now, the team must adapt to life without him in the opening weeks of 2025.
