Comeback with a World Cup leap? Henrich's time of suffering is coming to an end

After more than a year out of the Bundesliga, Benjamin Henrichs looks set to come full circle on Saturday (18:30/Sky) against Bayern of all teams. The international is likely to be back in the RB Leipzig squad for the top match against FC Bayern Munich after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in December 2024.

"I'm super happy that Benny is back. You can see in training what quality he can give us," said coach Ole Werner. The fact that Henrichs is back as a "personality is very positive and makes us stronger."

Child in Phantasialand

The game against SC Freiburg this Wednesday (8.30pm/Sky) comes too early for the 28-year-old, who is not yet in the squad due to a lack of training, according to Werner. Henrichs only returned to team training in December, almost exactly a year after suffering a torn tendon in the 5-1 defeat in Munich on 20 December 2024 - in the final minute of a decisive game.

"It was like a little kid going to Phantasialand and being allowed to ride a rollercoaster," Henrichs said after his first session with the team. The defender had actually wanted to return much earlier, but a second operation in the spring had set him back.

At the club and in the DFB squad: rival Baku

Time is now pressing for the 19-time international. After all, Henrichs wants to take part in the World Cup starting in June. The next and last international matches before the hot World Cup phase are already scheduled for the end of March. Until then, Henrichs must show that he is a candidate.

Which is not impossible, but could be difficult. After all, in his absence, his direct Leipzig rival Ridle Baku, of all people, managed to return to the national team after a four-year absence. The right-back even managed an assist in Luxembourg and a goal against Slovakia.

Henrichs will have to replace Baku twice - at RB Leipzig and in the DFB squad. In addition to his technique, the ex-Leverkusen man's versatility also speaks in his favor. Henrichs can also be deployed in defensive midfield or as a left-back.