Castello Lukeba joins RB Leipzig's injury list

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·22 January 2026

RB Leipzig will be without Castello Lukeba for their Bundesliga trip to 1. FC Heidenheim this weekend.

Head coach Ole Werner revealed on Thursday that the French centre-back is unavailable due to a knee issue.

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“He has a knee capsule injury that is causing irritation,” Werner explained.

“The focus is on gradually increasing his load over the next few days so that, hopefully, he can be back in action for the coming games.”

It's currently unclear if Lukeba will be able to return for Leipzig's rescheduled game against FC St. Pauli on Tuesday.

“We’re taking it day by day,” Werner said, while expressing “definite hope.”

El Chadaille Bitshiabu was described by Werner as the “logical option” to step in alongside Willi Orban at the heart of the defence.

In addition to Lukeba, Assan Ouedraogo, Johan Bakayoko and Viggo Gebel are also sidelined for Leipzig.