Orban missing for the week opener - Nedeljković raves about RB

Following his red ban for the goalless draw in Augsburg, RB Leipzig captain Willi Orban was also absent from public training at the start of the week. Like Lukas Klostermann and, at times, Yussuf Poulsen, the defender trained individually in the RB training academy. According to the club, this was only for reasons of load management ahead of the next Bundesliga match this Sunday against 1. FC Heidenheim (3.30pm).

With temperatures hovering around freezing point, RB professionals El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Kosta Nedeljković caught the eye of the 800 fans in particular, as both appeared in shorts. The Serbian winter signing also made his competitive debut in the 0-0 draw in Augsburg, coming on as a substitute for Ridle Baku in the 82nd minute. "The result wasn't good for us, but we played well. I even had a chance in the 92nd minute," said Nedeljković, whose header hit the crossbar.

The 19-year-old Serbian, who went through his entire soccer training from the U-15s to the pros at Red Star Belgrade, was loaned out by Aston Villa two weeks ago. The 1.84-meter tall right-back played with the English side against RB in the group stage of the Champions League. After the "good experience" at Aston Villa, he now wants to take the next step at RB. "This is one of the best clubs in Germany and in the whole of Europe, they play in the Champions League every year. Young players in particular can develop to the next level here. That's very important for me and I can play in one of the best leagues in the world," enthused Nedeljković.