RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouedraogo requires shoulder surgery

RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo is set for another extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a fresh shoulder injury that requires surgery.

The 20-year-old sustained the setback during his return to the starting line-up in Leipzig’s 5-0 Bundesliga win over Hamburg, having only recently recovered from a previous absence.

The recurrence is another frustrating interruption for one of Germany’s most promising young midfielders. Ouedraogo enjoyed his breakthrough with Schalke 04 in the 2023-24 2. Bundesliga season, making 17 appearances, scoring three goals and supplying one assist. At 17, he also became Schalke’s youngest debutant.

His form earned him a move to RB Leipzig in July 2024 on a five-year contract reportedly worth around €10 million. However, injuries limited him to three substitute appearances during the 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign.

Ouedraogo responded impressively in 2025-26, returning to prominence and demonstrating the technical quality that prompted Leipzig’s investment. His latest problem, involving the same shoulder affected during his recent lay-off, will again delay his momentum.

Leipzig will now manage his recovery carefully, with no immediate return date confirmed. The club and player will hope surgery finally resolves an issue that has repeatedly disrupted a highly promising career.