Leipzig captain Raum out against Union

Captain David Raum will miss Bundesliga club RB Leipzig's match against Union Berlin. The international is complaining of groin pain. According to RB head coach Ole Werner, the problems got worse again after his brief substitution in the 3-1 win in Frankfurt. However, RB will be able to rely on defensive boss Willi Orban again in Friday's game (20:30/Sky) against the Iron. Xaver Schlager, who was recently suspended, is also ready to play again.

Central defender Castello Lukeba will still be missing after suffering a setback with his adductor injury. Werner emphasized that he will possibly be built up for the game against Bayer Leverkusen. El Chadaille Bitshiabu will replace him in the back four. "He's showing a positive trend and has performed well," said coach Werner. Ezechiel Banzuzi is also still out with a capsule injury in his knee.

Eta has already spent time with Werner

RB are aiming for their fifth win in a row when they meet Marie-Louise Eta again, who spent time with Werner and his coaching team in Bremen during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. "A very good coach. I'm delighted that she's getting this chance, she'll go her own way, I'm sure of that," praised the 37-year-old RB coach.

Eta has also already been to Cottaweg in Leipzig. In November 2022, shortly before her taster course at Werder, the Dresden native looked over the shoulder of then coach Marco Rose as part of her pro license training at RB. The 34-year-old now wants to collect her first points in her second game as head coach of Union after her home debut ended in a 2-1 defeat against VfL Wolfsburg.

The Ironers' record gives hope against the unloved club from Messestadt. They have beaten Leipzig six times in the Bundesliga so far, including twice at the Red Bull Arena. The first leg in mid-December also went 3:1 to the Köpenickers. "Matches against Union are always special because they have a special way of playing soccer," said Christoph Baumgartner.