Gruda emerges as a doubt for RB Leipzig's trip to Bremen

RB Leipzig are sweating over the fitness of Brajan Gruda ahead of their away clash with Werder Bremen.

Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Brajan Gruda has emerged as a doubt for RB Leipzig’s trip to Bremen this weekend.

The 22-year-old picked up an ankle injury in Leipzig’s 3-0 Bundesliga opening win over Borussia Mönchengladbach and is now racing against time to be fit for Saturday’s game against Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion.

“We’ll have to see what’s possible. He’s carrying a knock,” RB Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis said at a press conference on Thursday.

Christopher Nkunku, who came off the bench against Gladbach after joining on loan from AC Milan, is an option to replace Gruda if he's unavailable.

“He trained separately in Milan, but now he’s training with the team again. He is ready to start, but we’ll see,” Demichelis said.

RB Leipzig will definitely have to manage without Rocco Reitz, who has been ruled out with a thigh injury until after the international break.

Another new signing, Neil El Aynaoui, could replace the German midfielder if Demichelis deems the 25-year-old ready after he joined the club on loan from AS Roma on Tuesday.