The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

RB Leipzig go into Saturday evening’s Bundesliga clash against 1. FC Köln with momentum on their side after back-to-back victories, but coach Ole Werner faces significant challenges in his squad selection.

The 36-year-old manager, who is eager to guide his team to a third consecutive win, must cope with a growing injury list that has struck key players just as the season begins to settle into rhythm.

Leipzig’s squad has already been stretched. Long-term absentee Benjamin Henrichs is still undergoing rehabilitation after his Achilles tendon rupture, while Amadou Haidara and Lukas Klostermann remain unavailable due to muscle issues. To make matters worse, two essential figures of Werner’s restructured side, Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager and Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa, both suffered injuries in the recent hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Mainz. Losing them at the same time is a major blow to Leipzig’s stability in midfield and creativity in attack. “Especially Schlager is a loss that really hurts,” admitted Werner in Thursday’s pre-match press conference, highlighting the Austrian’s importance as a ball-winner and organiser at the base of midfield.

The uncertainty surrounding their recovery timeline only adds to the headache. Both Schlager and Nusa are expected to miss at least the upcoming matches against Köln and Wolfsburg (September 27), leaving Werner with immediate decisions to make. In the holding midfield role of Leipzig’s 4-3-3 system, several candidates are being considered: Nicolas Seiwald, the Austrian who offers energy and tactical discipline; Ezechiel Banzuzi, a younger option with potential but less experience; and veteran Kevin Kampl, who at 35 remains a respected figure in the squad.

Kampl’s story is a notable one. Having fallen out of favour in recent months and left out of the matchday squad for three consecutive games, he only featured briefly in stoppage time against Mainz. Yet Werner suggested that the Slovenian’s wealth of experience and professionalism could be vital in the current situation. “Kevin is one of those players who didn’t have an easy summer, because we said we wanted to push ahead with a rebuild, with new faces, with younger faces,” Werner explained. “But someone like Kevin, who has unparalleled experience, perhaps doesn’t need as much time to settle in. That’s why Kevin is also an option.” His inclusion could bring leadership and calmness to a midfield suddenly deprived of its anchor.

Another subplot surrounds the potential return of Timo Werner. The former Germany international, once a fan favourite in Leipzig, rejoined the club this summer after a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. His future was uncertain during the transfer window, with many expecting him to leave permanently. However, injuries have now created an opportunity for him to re-establish himself in the squad. If selected, it would be his first Bundesliga squad appearance for Leipzig since December 19, 2023, when he played in the 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen.

Nusa’s absence on the left flank could open the door for Werner to contribute in that position. At 29, he is no longer the explosive striker who once terrorised Bundesliga defences, but his pace, experience, and understanding of Leipzig’s system could still be valuable. “It will be decided on Friday whether the 29-year-old will be included in the squad,” Werner said, “but the likelihood is relatively high. That could well be the outcome.” If Werner is not ready to start, then either Yan Diomande or Conrad Harder may be given the nod to occupy the left-wing role.

On the other side, Saturday’s visitors Köln are also dealing with squad issues but receive a boost with the return of Johan Bakayoko. The Belgian right winger, who had been sidelined by an infection, is available again and expected to play a role against Leipzig. Köln, who gained promotion back to the Bundesliga and have been proving themselves as a resilient side, will be eager to test Leipzig’s depth in front of their own fans at the Red Bull Arena.

This matchup therefore presents several layers of intrigue: how Werner adapts tactically to the absence of Schlager and Nusa, whether Kampl can roll back the years and anchor the midfield, and if Timo Werner can use this moment to relaunch his Leipzig career. For Leipzig, a third straight win would solidify their place near the top of the table and send a strong message despite their injury woes. For Köln, it is another chance to prove they can compete against one of the Bundesliga’s Champions League regulars.

As Saturday approaches, all eyes will be on Werner’s final squad selection and on whether the reshuffled Leipzig side can maintain their momentum in a demanding domestic campaign.