Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart | OneFootball

Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart | OneFootball

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RB Leipzig

·7 January 2026

Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart

Article image:Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart

More and more players are making their returns from injury at RB Leipzig, bringing with them a great deal of quality both on and off the pitch. A trio of returning players is particularly in the spotlight at the training camp in Almancil.

"Important character for the team"

Benjamin Henrichs is on the verge of making his long-awaited return. A year after tearing his Achilles tendon, the Germany international is back in first-team training, bringing not only a lot of quality on the pitch but also his role as "an important character for the team," as emphasised by head coach Ole Werner.


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Benny is bursting with enthusiasm and was thrilled to have played 25 minutes in yesterday's training match. For him, it's now about taking the next steps to get back on the pitch in the Bundesliga and support the Red Bulls with his experience and versatility.

Article image:Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart

"Pick up where I left off"

Assan Ouédraogo has been a key factor in the team's success this season. Before his knee injury, the midfielder didn't miss a single game, except for the DFB-Pokal match against Cottbus. The 19-year-old has already registered three goals and four assists so far this season.

The game against FC St. Pauli could see him make his return to action. His goal is quite clear: "I want to pick up where I left off." Assan has already impressively demonstrated his ability to do just that in the past. After setbacks, he has always come back stronger.

Article image:Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart

Baku eager to make his return

Ridle Baku has been the undisputed first choice at right-back this season. Since his move from Wolfsburg a year ago, he has established himself as a regular starter, impressing with his passing and dynamism. As someone with a lot of experience, he is also a role model for the younger players to look up to.

The 27-year-old was sidelined with a syndesmosis injury towards the end of last year and was forced to miss two games, before making a 'mini comeback' in the last game before the winter break against Leverkusen. Now he is fully fit again and eager for the upcoming duel with St. Pauli: "We want to make a statement right away and win the first game."

Article image:Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart

Nusa and Banzuzi working on a return to full training

Other RB Leipzig players are also working diligently on their comebacks after extended spells on the sideline. Antonio Nusa (syndesmosis) and Ezechiel Banzuzi (muscle injury) have been able to gradually increase their workload in Almancil and are already engaging in intense one-on-one drills and shooting exercises. Their return to full first-team training seems to be getting closer and closer.

Johan Bakayoko (calf injury) has been able to demonstrate his dynamism again during individual training sessions at the training camp.

Things are looking good ahead of the Bundesliga restart and an intense period of the season, with the Red Bulls set to play three league games in eight days.

Article image:Returning faces ahead of Bundesliga restart

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