RB Leipzig faces a challenging period following the injury of their influential midfielder, Xavi Simons, who is sidelined with an ankle ligament injury. His absence disrupts their plans in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.
RB Leipzig's dynamic midfielder, Xavi Simons, will be sidelined for several weeks due to a ligament injury in his left ankle. The 21-year-old Dutch international suffered the injury during a tough Champions League match against Liverpool, adding to the growing list of challenges for Marco Rose's squad this season. Although the exact treatment plan has yet to be determined, the absence of Simons will certainly impact Leipzig's campaign, both domestically and on the European stage.
Simons, renowned for his exceptional vision and playmaking skills, has been crucial to Leipzig's success early in the season. After returning to the Bundesliga on loan from Paris Saint-Germain for the 2024-25 season, the young talent quickly became an essential part of Rose's tactical plans. His absence now creates a significant gap that will be challenging to fill, especially as Leipzig gears up for important matches against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg, as well as key Champions League fixtures against Celtic and Inter Milan.
Simons suffered a ligament injury in his left ankle during the closing moments of Leipzig's closely contested 1-0 loss to Liverpool. As he attempted a shot towards the end of the game, Simons collided with a Liverpool defender, which resulted in an injury that led to his substitution in the 78th minute. Despite Yussuf Poulsen stepping in to replace him, Leipzig found it difficult to regain their creative momentum and ultimately were unable to change the outcome of the match.
After the match, medical evaluations disclosed the severity of Simons' injury; however, the club has not yet decided on a specific treatment plan. Leipzig has confirmed that the young midfielder will be out for 'several weeks,' although this period might extend depending on how well the injury heals. With Simons' return unclear, Rose will need to adjust his squad in the upcoming weeks to make up for the Dutchman's absence.
This setback couldn't have come at a worse time for Leipzig. Simons has made a significant impact by scoring three goals and providing two assists in 11 appearances this season, continuing the impressive form he displayed during his loan spell last year, where he accumulated 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 matches. His role in Leipzig's smooth attacking transitions and his ability to break down defenses have been vital, and replacing those attributes will be a challenging task for Rose.
Beyond the domestic scene, Simons' absence could significantly affect Leipzig's Champions League aspirations. His creativity and versatility were crucial in their European performances last season, and without him orchestrating the midfield, Leipzig's advancement to the knockout stages this year might be at risk. Simons also showcased his form on the international stage, playing a pivotal role for the Netherlands in their European Championship journey, scoring in the semi-final loss to England.
With Leipzig's next continental match against Celtic quickly approaching, Rose will have to reconsider his strategy. Players like Dani Olmo and Yussuf Poulsen are expected to step up in Simon's absence, but the team will certainly miss the Dutchman's sharpness and tactical insight. Leipzig's success depends on their ability to manage this challenging period without their star playmaker.
