Leipzig's Baku and Romulo back for top match against Bayer

RB Leipzig head coach Ole Werner can once again rely on Ridle Baku and Romulo in the top match against Bayer Leverkusen. "They are part of the squad. They are fit for more than ten minutes. We'll know how many minutes they'll play after the final training session," said Werner ahead of the final Bundesliga home game of the year on Saturday (18:30/Sky) against the Werkself.

However, Johan Bakayoko is out again with muscle problems. "It's the same problem that's bothering him again. It doesn't make much sense before the turn of the year. But the problems haven't gotten any bigger or worse," explained the coach, who also has to replace the recently outstanding Yan Diomande. Like Amadou Haidara, the winger has been sent off for the Africa Cup in Morocco.

Defender Orban "indestructible"

Benjamin Henrichs, who returned to team training for the first time after tearing his Achilles tendon, will also miss out against Leverkusen. Antonio Nusa (syndesmosis ligament problem), Assan Ouédraogo (tendon problem in his knee), Viggo Gebel (cruciate ligament rupture), Ezechiel Banzuzi (muscle problem in his thigh) and Kevin Kampl (personal reasons) will also be missing. Willi Orban, who has only been training individually recently, is "indestructible" and fit for action, according to Werner.

"I'm expecting an absolute top match, despite the personnel situation on both sides. Because these are two teams that always play forward," said the RB coach, who wants to "defend the white home vest".

Leipzig have celebrated six consecutive home wins so far and conceded just three goals in the process. That is the best record in the Bundesliga. With their seventh league home win in a row, Leipzig would equal the club record from the 2016/2017 season. In January of this year, however, they only drew 2-2 at home against Bayer. In January 2024, Leverkusen even won 3-2 at the Red Bull Arena.