Timo Werner: Return after 641 days - Why does he stay on the bench?

Timo Werner: Return after 641 days - Why does he stay on the bench?

In a highly anticipated moment, Timo Werner finally stepped onto the Red Bull Arena pitch again after 641 days. The RB Leipzig fans got a real buzz warming up the 29-year-old as the team prepared for the duel against 1. FC Köln. But despite the demands of the spectators, Werner was left out - coach Ole Werner had decided not to use him yet. “The deployment decisions are based on training and game performance,” said the coach, who considers the current squad to be strong, while other players such as Romulo and Yan Diomande were used. Picture reports that Timo Werner has a reserve role in preparation due to a lack of match practice.

How did it happen that Werner was out of the game for so long? His last appearance for Leipzig was on December 19, 2023, followed by a year and a half loan to Tottenham Hotspur. There he scored 10 goals in 41 appearances, but his market value fell from 17 million to 7 million euros. In the summer of 2022, Werner returned to Leipzig for 20 million euros, with a hefty salary of around 10 million euros until his contract ends in 2026. That's more than double what many of his teammates earn, according to analysis by Transfer market show.

Injuries and squad needs at RB Leipzig

The situation surrounding RB Leipzig and Werner's return is also complicated by injuries. Seven injured players are currently missing, including Xaver Schlager and Antonio Nusa, who were injured in the last game against Mainz. While Schlager suffered a muscle injury to his calf, Nusa had to undergo surgery after suffering a broken forearm. Max Finkgräfe also suffered a knee injury during preparation. Coach Werner observes the situation and remains optimistic: "It's a shame when players are missing, but other players are waiting for their chance." These injury-related absences could perhaps get Werner back into the game more quickly. Transfer market highlights that the likelihood of Werner's return to the squad has increased following recent injuries.

His captain, David Raum, is already convinced of Werner's quality and emphasizes his central role for the team. “He is important for our team and the club,” said Raum. But how long will Werner's fans have to wait? Coach Ole Werner vaguely hinted that when Timo Werner can be back on the pitch depends solely on his training performance. “There are players who are currently ahead,” said the coach.

RB Leipzig have taken six points from the first three games of the current season and are currently seventh in the table. The fans can be excited to see when their favorite will be back in the starting line-up.