Leipzig injury updates: Poulsen and Adams available while Hwang and Kluivert doubtful for Friday
While most consider the title race to be finished, Julian Nagelsmann's Leipzig still have the opportunity to put league leaders Bayern under pressure with a big win against Hoffenheim on Friday night.
At the Wednesday presser, the RB trainer had loads of injury news to deliver.
Handicapping Julian Nagelsmann's prospects against his former club in the Bundesliga's round 29 curtain raiser isn't easy. Hoffenheim remain the league's most unpredictable side; capable of both explosive performances and absolute duds on any given day. Moreover, the 33-year-old trainer's specially-tailored tactics also must continually be adjusted in the wake of non-stop waves of injury.
At the Wednesday presser, the RB trainer had loads of injury news to deliver.
The main at a Wednesday presser was the rumors that Nagelsmann is being preemptively courted by FC Bayern München as the German giants prepare for a potential Hansi Flick departure. In addition to addressing these rumors directly, Nagelsmann also furnished updates on his many injured players.
The young trainer began by reporting that American international Tyler Adams, subbed of at the half against Werder Bremen on Sunday with noticeable back problems, wasn't experiencing anything serious.
"It looks to be just fine," Nagelsmann noted after confirming a knock and a contusion, "He'll be back in the final training session tomorrow and available for Friday."
Nagelsmann also reported that Yussuf Poulsen's reintegration into full team training had proceeded well according to schedule.
"The muscular complaints on his thigh are gone," the gaffer confirmed, "Yussi is back in team training and will be available Friday night."
The team should be able to rely on its regular fullbacks. Nagelsmann brushed off concerns about Lukas Klostermann, who can presumably start opposite Marcel Halstenberg. As for the club's talismanic wingback, no further updates were given on Angelino one week after on off-pitch reprimand.
There was less positive news regarding two attackers. Striker Hee-Chan Hwang suffered an ankle injury during Monday's training session. Rapidly more influential winger Justin Kluivert has also been dealing with ankle problems; in his case a blister.
Nagelsmann effectively ruled both players out for Friday, speaking of only "residual hope" in each case.