RB Leipzig's Brajan Gruda sidelined for Bremen clash with groin injury
RB Leipzig will be without attacking midfielder Brajan Gruda for their Bundesliga fixture against Werder Bremen on Saturday. The 21-year-old sustained a groin injury while on international duty with Germany's Under-21 squad and has been ruled out of the trip to the Weserstadion.
Head coach Ole Werner confirmed the news at his pre-match press conference on Thursday. Werner stated that Gruda returned from national team commitments with the problem, but expressed optimism the player could return for the following match against Borussia Monchengladbach. The absence is a blow for Leipzig given Gruda's recent form; he scored twice and provided an assist in the team's emphatic 5-0 victory over Hoffenheim just before the international break.
In more positive news for the Red Bulls, defender Yan Diomande has been declared fully fit. Diomande had been managing a shoulder issue picked up in the Hoffenheim match but has now recovered. Werner stressed that the Ivorian has no remaining problems and is available for selection. The squad will also be bolstered by the returns of experienced goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and young midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, both of whom will be named on the bench as they complete their comebacks from respective injuries.
The club did confirm further absentees beyond Gruda. Third-choice goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle and young winger Suleman Sani are also unavailable due to injuries. Gruda's injury comes at an inopportune moment as Leipzig seeks to consolidate its position in the Bundesliga's European qualification places. Since his arrival from Mainz last summer, Gruda has grown into an important creative outlet for Werner's side, making his temporary loss more significant.
The timing places additional responsibility on Leipzig's other attacking options, such as Xavi Simons and Lois Openda, to provide the offensive spark against Bremen. Diomande's return to full fitness is a crucial development for a defensive unit that will aim to maintain stability in Gruda's absence. Leipzig's medical staff will now focus on managing Gruda's recovery with the aim of having him available for the crucial final stretch of the season, where the club remains active in the pursuit of Champions League football.
