RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons set for lay-off with ankle injury
RB Leipzig's Xavi has undergone minor surgery on an ankle ligament injury sustained in the club's 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
Xavi went down in pain during a tangle with Andy Robertson in the 78th minute of the match and had to be carried off by medical staff. Leipzig later confirmed a left ankle ligament issue, with the Dutchman going under the knife in Munich three days later.
The prognosis means that Xavi will miss the DFB Cup tie with St. Pauli, and a crucial Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on 2 November. Leipzig then face Celtic in the Champions League, before league games against Hoffenheim and Inter Milan to see out November.
The 21-year-old has been Leipzig’s third-most productive player so far this season, registering three goals and two assists in all competitions after returning on loan for another year from Paris Saint-Germain. His form has helped Die Roten Bullen stay unbeaten in the league, whilst propelling them into the top two.
Watch: All of Xavi's Bundesliga goals and assists
Want more Bundesliga Action?
The news takes Leipzig’s injury list up to five players. David Raum and Xaver Schlager both have ligament injuries, while Nicolas Seiwald and Assan Ouédraogo are still in the treatment room.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose said: "Xavi will unfortunately be sidelined for several weeks. He's an important player for us, but we have full confidence in our squad and will look to fill his absence as a team. We have good players that will now be able to see more game time."
Related news
How do Leipzig and Freiburg stack up?
We take a look at where the big Matchday 8 clash will be won as both teams eye the Bundesliga's top spot on Saturday...
Simons stars in Leipzig's win at Mainz
RB Leipzig continue their impressive unbeaten run with a commanding 2-0 victory over Mainz, thanks to goals from Xavi Simons and Willi Orbán.
The Bundesliga's Dutch masters
From Arjen Robben, Roy Makaay and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar through to Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong, Dutch players have made huge impressions on German football.