As Bayer Leverkusen prepares for their Bundesliga encounter against RB Leipzig on Saturday, head coach Kasper Hjulmand faces numerous absences and fitness concerns.

The defending champions are dealing with a depleted squad, forcing Hjulmand to weigh tactical options carefully.

Key absences include defender Edmond Tapsoba, midfielder Ibrahim Maza, and forward Eliesse Ben Seghir, all committed to the Africa Cup of Nations starting Sunday. 

This leaves Leverkusen without these players for the high-stakes match against Leipzig’s high-pressing side.

A positive note is young striker Christian Kofane, 19, whose Cameroonian federation allowed him to stay for the game before joining the national team. 

This boosts the attack, especially with Patrik Schick doubtful due to an ankle injury from last week’s 2-0 win over 1. FC Köln. Schick’s absence could disrupt offensive flow, making Kofane vital.

Defensively, Jarell Quansah is suspended, so Jeanuel Belocian likely starts left alongside Loic Badé and Robert Andrich.

Andrich’s defensive role excludes him from midfield, where Exequiel Palacios is out, Maza is on international duty, Aleix Garcia has muscular issues, and Ezequiel Fernandez is unlikely to start after a long injury.

In wing-back positions, Leverkusen hopes Alex Grimaldo recovers to start left after missing Köln; his runs and set-pieces are key. Lucas Vazquez remains out right, so Arthur starts.

In attack, Ernest Poku’s thigh injury from Köln sidelines him, leaving Jonas Hofmann and Nathan Tella in attacking midfield behind the striker. Their linking and chance creation will be crucial against Leipzig’s defense.

These issues test Leverkusen’s depth and Hjulmand’s ingenuity. With the title race intensifying, a win could build momentum, but absences may demand a pragmatic approach. Fans await adaptations in this BayArena battle.

A win for Leverkusen will see them go straight into second position three points ahead of Leipzig.