New signing Eljif Elmas, who has recovered, will probably have to wait for his second start in the starting eleven for RB Leipzig. Coach Marco Rose hinted on Thursday that Spanish international Dani Olmo will be back in the starting eleven on Friday (20:30/DAZN) at 1. FC Köln. "We have a lot of lads who are in good form at the moment and are doing well. Eljif is fighting for playing time," said Rose.
On his starting eleven debut against Darmstadt last Saturday, Elmas had to stay in the dressing room at half-time. The 24-year-old, who signed for 23 million euros from Napoli, complained of discomfort in his stomach and head. "It didn't turn out to be particularly dramatic. Maybe it was just the higher workload," said Rose.
In Cologne, Olmo was to be given the second spot in attacking midfield alongside Xavi Simons. The injury-prone 25-year-old was rested against Darmstadt and only came on as a late substitute. "Dani is now fully in rhythm. I believe that his form curve will now steadily improve," said Rose. In Cologne, only Lukas Klostermann, who has a thigh injury, will have to be replaced.
