Premature end to the season for Leipzig's Schlager inevitable

The premature end to the season for Xaver Schlager of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig is on the horizon. "Xaver will be out indefinitely, we're not putting any pressure on him," said RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose in light of the midfielder's third serious injury this season. The 27-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh while playing for the Austrian national team, having previously had to take a break after tearing cruciate ligaments and knee problems in the same leg.

Rose described the fact that the Austrian had traveled to the national team despite the short period of activity following the knee injury as "absolutely right. Everyone wanted the best. Now it's not easy for everyone."

Everyone needs Schlager

The 48-year-old emphasized the importance of Schlager, who had already torn a cruciate ligament during his time at VfL Wolfsburg. "Austria needs Xaver Schlager, Leipzig needs Xaver Schlager and he would like to help. But we have not overpaced."

With eight matchdays left and a maximum of two cup games in the next two months, Rose appears to be planning for Schlager's season to end early. "Now it's all about getting Xaver healthy," said Rose, already calculating whether a return would make sense this season after a weeks-long absence. "It's important for Xaver to get himself in perfect condition so that he can play soccer for many years to come."

Contract extension "not the key issue"

At best in Leipzig. "For us as a club, there is no question that he should stay and we would be happy if it goes on for a few more years," said Rose about Schlager, whose contract in Leipzig ends in 2026: "But that is not the core issue right now."