RB Leipzig faces a challenging period as Xavi Simons, their influential midfielder, is sidelined with a left ankle ligament injury. His absence could impact Leipzig's performance in crucial domestic and Champions League matches.
RB Leipzig's talented midfielder, Xavi Simons, is set to miss several weeks due to a ligament injury in his left ankle. The 21-year-old Dutch international suffered the injury during a fiercely contested Champions League match against Liverpool, adding to the mounting challenges for Marco Rose's team this season. Although the precise treatment plan has not been finalized, Simons' absence is sure to impact Leipzig's performance, both in their domestic league and in European competitions.
Simons, renowned for his outstanding vision and playmaking skills, has been crucial to Leipzig's success in the early part of the season. He returned to the Bundesliga on loan from Paris Saint-Germain for the 2024-25 season and swiftly re-established himself as a vital component in Rose's tactical approach. His absence now creates a challenging void to fill, particularly as Leipzig gears up for important matches against Bundesliga powerhouses Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg, as well as significant Champions League encounters against Celtic and Inter Milan.
Simons' injury, identified as a ligament issue in his left ankle, happened during the closing moments of Leipzig's close 1-0 loss to Liverpool. As he attempted a shot late in the match, Simons collided with a Liverpool defender, leading to damage that necessitated his substitution in the 78th minute. Although Yussuf Poulsen replaced him, Leipzig struggled to reignite their creativity and ultimately could not overcome the deficit.
After the game, medical evaluations revealed the severity of Simons' injury, but the club has not yet decided on an exact treatment plan. Leipzig has announced that the young midfielder will be out for 'several weeks,' although this period may extend based on how well the injury heals. With Simons' return not yet certain, Rose will need to adjust his squad strategy in the coming weeks to make up for the absence of the Dutch player.
This setback could not have come at a more inopportune time for Leipzig. Simons has made a significant impact this season with three goals and two assists in 11 appearances, continuing the impressive form he displayed during his loan spell last year, where he scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists in 43 matches. His role in Leipzig's smooth attacking transitions and his ability to break down defenses has been vital, and replacing those attributes will be a challenging task for Rose.
Apart from their domestic challenges, Simons' absence might affect Leipzig's aspirations in the Champions League. His creativity and adaptability were crucial in their European performances last season, and reaching the knockout stages this year could be at risk without him orchestrating in the midfield. Simons also maintained his strong form internationally, playing a significant role for the Netherlands during their European Championship campaign, where he scored in the semi-final loss to England.
As Leipzig's next continental match against Celtic quickly approaches, Rose will have to reconsider his strategy. Players such as Dani Olmo and Yussuf Poulsen will need to rise to the occasion in Simons' absence, yet the team will surely miss the Dutchman's sharpness and tactical understanding. Leipzig's success will depend on their capability to manage this challenging period without their star playmaker.
