Lukeba remains out for Leipzig – Bitshiabu set for another start

With Castello Lukeba still sidelined, El Chadaille Bitshiabu is in line for his second successive start when RB Leipzig face St. Pauli on Tuesday.

RB Leipzig will again be without Castello Lukeba for their rescheduled Bundesliga match against FC St. Pauli on Tuesday.

Lukeba missed Saturday’s 3-0 win over Heidenheim due to a knee capsule irritation, and the midweek fixture comes too early for him.

“Castello will continue to miss out for reasons already known. We have increased his training load, but he’s not in a condition to play tomorrow,” RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner said at Monday’s press conference.

This means that El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who partnered Willi Orban in central defence against Heidenheim, is in line for another start.

“Chad has waited a long time for his chance and is eager to play,” Werner said, adding that it’s “obvious” that Bitshiabu will start once more in Lukeba’s continued absence.

“It’s not like we have many alternatives who are fully match-ready,” he pointed out.

Whether Lukeba will be fit for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash with Mainz is uncertain.

“I’m fundamentally optimistic, that’s always my approach. But we have to take it day by day and see if he’s ready for Mainz,” Werner said.