Leipzig's Gulacsi still unavailable against Leverkusen

Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is still doubtful for this Saturday's Bundesliga top match against Bayer Leverkusen (3.30pm/Sky). Even if the Hungarian, who had problems with his shoulder, is feeling better, head coach Marco Rose wants to wait for the final training session. "Pete is very open and honest. He doesn't have any major ailments, but we'll wait and see," said Rose, who was at least able to welcome Castello Lukeba back to team training. The Frenchman would be an option for Leverkusen.

Midfielder Xaver Schlager will have to continue his absence. "Xaver was better yesterday, not today, it remains diffuse. It's nothing dramatic, we're working on it, Xaver is working on it, we'll give him time and remain optimistic," said Rose about the Austrian international, who is probably suffering from bone edema.

Rose demands to be "razor-sharp"

Rose demands to be "razor-sharp" against Leverkusen. His team may have to "defend deep". It could also be an advantage "if it gets wild and becomes an open game", said Rose and warned against ex-Leipzig player Patrik Schick.

"When Patrik is healthy, as we know in Leipzig, he scores. He's a box-to-box striker, a playmaking striker," praised Rose and spoke of "two players with exceptional qualities" in collaboration with top assist provider Florian Wirtz. Schick has scored twelve goals in his last eight games. Seven of these goals were prepared by international Wirtz.