Leipzig's Orban and Lukeba questionable against Eintracht

Ole Werner may have to change his starting eleven for the top match at Eintracht Frankfurt more than he wanted to. After the problem in midfield with the yellow card suspended Xaver Schlager, there are still unanswered questions in central defense. Defender Willi Orban has thigh problems and Castello Lukeba is not yet fully fit following an adductor injury. "We've been able to increase the workload for both of them, but we have to see what we can do in training," said Werner ahead of this Saturday's away game (6.30pm/Sky) against Hesse.

In the battle for Champions League qualification, the game at seventh-placed Hesse will be no walk in the park after the resounding victory in the first leg. "That 6:0 was a long time ago. This is a different Frankfurt team now, one that has played in the Champions League and has stabilized," said Werner, emphasizing the four-point lead over fifth-placed Leverkusen: "The cushion can be deceptive." And Eintracht are "a tough team", especially at home.

No RB win in Frankfurt yet

The Saxons have never won at Eintracht and have managed five draws in nine games. Coach Albert Riera's team have picked up 15 points in their first nine Bundesliga games since the beginning of February. The Hessians have been unbeaten at home for four games.

In addition to Schlager, Ezechiel Banzuzi (capsule injury in the knee) is also out in midfield. Assan Ouédraogo would be an alternative starting eleven. Following his injuries, the coach has "given the young international more time and extended his build-up". Because only with stable performances at the club can he recommend himself for higher tasks in the national team.

Diomande and his added value

Leipzig's guarantor of victory was once again Yan Diomande against Mönchengladbach, who scored a treble in the first leg against Eintracht. "I think he's already very advanced for his age, both athletically and mentally. He accepts things as they are, invests a lot to achieve his goals and always gives one hundred percent," said Werner, praising the complete package in particular. He also drew a comparison with Bayern's Michael Olise, who also works extremely hard at the back: "The added value for the team is his defensive behavior."