Wolfsburg sweat on Saël Kumbedi’s fitness

VfL Wolfsburg face an anxious wait over Saël Kumbedi’s fitness ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon.

The 21-year-old right-back has returned from duty with the France U21s carrying a muscle problem, according to a report from AZ/WAZ, leaving his participation in serious doubt.

The exact extent of the injury is still unclear, and Kumbedi will undergo further tests in Wolfsburg to determine how serious the issue is. Only then will the medical staff be able to say whether it is just a minor knock or something that could rule him out for longer.

Any absence would be a real blow for coach Dieter Hecking, as Kumbedi has recently been a nailed-on starter on the right flank and an important part of the team’s balance. With a tough game against league leaders Leverkusen approaching, Wolfsburg can ill afford to lose another defender.

For now, club and fans alike will be hoping the diagnosis brings good news and that Kumbedi can quickly put the latest setback behind him.