RB Leipzig defenders David Raum and Castello Lukeba will undergo late fitness assessments ahead of Saturday's pivotal Bundesliga fixture against champions Bayer Leverkusen. Coach Ole Werner confirmed that both players have returned to full training but stated a final decision on their inclusion will be made following Friday's session.
Raum, the German international left-back, and French centre-back Lukeba missed Leipzig's 3-1 victory over Union Berlin last weekend. Their potential return would be a significant boost for a side sitting third in the table and aiming to close the gap on the top two. Werner provided the update on Thursday, noting that aside from long-term absentees Leo Zingerle, Ezechiel Banzuzi, and Suleman Sani, the rest of the squad is available for selection.
The coach's comments, reported by the club's official channels, indicate a cautious approach. "With Castello [Lukeba] and David [Raum], we will make the final decisions on how we can use them after tomorrow’s final training session," Werner said. This suggests the pair could be considered for the bench or face limited minutes if deemed fit enough to participate.
Raum's potential availability is particularly crucial given his role as a primary creative outlet from the left flank. Since joining Leipzig from Hoffenheim in 2022, he has established himself as a key component of their system, contributing both defensively and with his crossing ability. Lukeba, a younger acquisition from Lyon, has been integrating into the heart of the defence and his composure would be valuable against Leverkusen's potent attack.
The match at the Red Bull Arena represents one of the standout fixtures of the Bundesliga weekend, pitting two of Germany's Champions League representatives against each other. Leipzig's need for points is amplified by their position in the standings, where they currently trail Bayern Munich and the unbeaten Leverkusen. Securing a positive result would solidify their hold on a top-four place and apply pressure in the race for automatic qualification.
Werner's management of the squad's fitness will be under scrutiny, with a busy schedule ahead including DFB-Pokal and European commitments. The outcome of Friday's training will determine whether Leipzig can call upon two of their key defensive assets for one of their most challenging domestic tests of the season.
