Castello Lukeba - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Scratched due to illness Lukeba was scratched from Saturday's starting XI after not feeling well.

Impact Lukeba was in the initial XI but was scratched during warmups and replaced by Maxime Esteve. The defender did remain amongst the substitutes, but was ultimately not needed in the match. Lukeba should be good to go next week against Schalke.

18 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Starts after groin issue Lukeba (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impact Lukeba appears to have put his groin problem behind him after training with the team this week and dropping off the injury report. He is ready to return straight to the starting lineup, avoiding any apparent need for a gradual reintegration.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Not added to injury report Lukeba (groin) is questionable for Saturday's match against Frankfurt, according to his club.

Impact Lukeba was dealing with a groin injury during the break, and that appears to have faded, as he was left off the injury report after training with the team this week. This would be a bright return for the club, as he is one of the better young center-backs in the world, starting in all three of his appearances thus far. That said, if he is fully fit, the defender will expect to resume in a starting role.

OCTOBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Should return to team training this week Lukeba (groin) has been training individually but could resume team training at some point during this week, the club announced Tuesday.

Impact Lukeba has started in the three Bundesliga games he's been available for this season, and the young center-back should remain a steady presence in the XI as long as he's healthy. If Lukeba joins team training in the coming days as predicted, he'd be in a very good position to return to action in the Oct. 10 match against Frankfurt.

SEPTEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Leverkusen Lukeba is not in the squad for Sunday's match against Bayer Leverkusen as a precaution due to minor groin discomfort.

Impact Lukeba is being held out of Sunday's clash with Leverkusen after experiencing minor groin discomfort, with his absence described as precautionary. The nature of the issue suggests Leipzig are avoiding taking any unnecessary risk with the center-back rather than dealing with a significant injury. Maxime Esteve replaces him in the starting XI and could continue to cover in central defense if Lukeba requires additional recovery time.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Starting vs. Como Lukeba (muscular) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's UCL match against Como.

Impact Lukeba returned to full training earlier in the week, so it's not surprising to see the center-back in the starting lineup for this European clash. Lukeba played the full 90 in his previous appearance, notching three interceptions and 11 clearances in a 3-0 win over Monchengladbach on Aug. 29.

SEPTEMBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to full team training Lukeba (muscular) returned to full team training Wednesday ahead of Thursday's Champions League clash against Como, according to Bild.

Impact Lukeba's participation in the final session confirms that he has recovered sufficiently from the muscular issue that recently kept him sidelined. The center-back is therefore available for Leipzig's Champions League opener, though it remains unclear whether manager Martin Demichelis will immediately restore him to the starting XI. His return nevertheless provides a timely boost to Leipzig's defensive options as he works his way back into regular action.

SEPTEMBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out with muscular problems Lukeba (undisclosed) is not available for Saturday's match in Bremen due to muscular problems, according to the club.

Impact Lukeba made 26 Bundesliga appearances last season, scoring one goal while keeping eight clean sheets, establishing himself as one of Leipzig's most reliable defensive presences. His absence opens the door for Maxime Esteve to take on a larger role in central defense, and his path back to full training will be worth monitoring as Leipzig continues its season.

SEPTEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Finds bench role Lukeba (adductor) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Leverkusen.

Impact Lukeba came through Friday's final training session sufficiently for manager Ole Werner to include him among the substitutes after three consecutive absences caused by the adductor issue, with the club opting against taking any unnecessary risks given the importance of the matches ahead. The center-back has been one of Leipzig's most reliable defensive presences this season, starting 22 of his 23 appearances, and his presence on the bench offers a valuable option for a side heading into a crucial top-of-the-table fixture. His completion of a full session on Thursday had been an encouraging sign, and his return to the starting lineup is expected to follow imminently once coach Ole Werner is fully satisfied the adductor issue has settled.

MAY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Late call against Leverkusen Lukeba (adductor) returned to full team training Thursday after participating in the majority of sessions throughout the week, and is a late call for Saturday's clash against Lever...

Impact Lukeba's progression through the week is an encouraging sign after the adductor issue kept him sidelined for three consecutive matches. Coach Ole Werner will wait until Friday's final training session before making a definitive call on his availability for what is a crucial top-of-the-table fixture. The center-back has been one of Leipzig's most reliable defensive presences this season, starting 22 of his 23 appearances, making his potential return a significant boost at both ends of a demanding week. His ability to complete a full session Thursday suggests he is closing in on full fitness, though the club will not take any unnecessary risks given the importance of the matches ahead. A return for the Leverkusen fixture would give manager Ole Werner a key defensive option as Leipzig push through the final stretch of a pivotal Bundesliga campaign.

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Nearing full training Lukeba (groin) completed large parts of team training Tuesday, according to his club.

Impact Lukeba has been out for three games with a groin injury, but is on the mend and nearing a return, as the defender has trained with his teammates. He will now look to return to play this week as they face Leverkusen and be fit for the final three games of the season, starting in 22 of his 23 appearances this season.

APRIL 28 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Saturday Lukeba (adductor) will miss Saturday's clash against Union Berlin as his adductor problems have not improved, according to coach Ole Werner. "Castello will be absent. He is still s...

Impact Lukeba did not train at all this week, marking a setback after he had appeared to be progressing toward a return. The situation has become harder to predict given the back-and-forth nature of the recovery, with no firm timeline offered beyond ruling him out for Saturday. El Chadaille Bitshiabu is expected to continue filling in at center-back in his absence, with Lukeba's availability for the following week's clash against Leverkusen to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

APRIL 23 • ROTOWIRE

Makes bench Saturday Lukeba (adductor) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Frankfurt.

Impact Lukeba (adductor) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Frankfurt as he returns from injury. The defender is eased back into action after missing the last match, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu starting in central defense in his place, though Lukeba could come on depending on the match scenario.

APRIL 18 • ROTOWIRE

Late call against Frankfurt Lukeba (adductor) has been able to increase his training load over the week and is a late call for Saturday's clash against Frankfurt, with a final decision to be made after the la...

Impact Lukeba had been ruled out last week after picking up an adductor injury during the clash against Bremen, but his progressive return to training is a more encouraging update than initially expected. The club will assess him after Friday's session before making their final squad decisions, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu having been the leading candidate to fill in at center-back if the Frenchman had to miss the call. Getting Lukeba back for such a crucial fixture in Leipzig's Champions League qualification push would be a significant boost for coach Ole Werner.

APRIL 17 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers adductor injury Lukeba is out for the time being due to an adductor injury, according to his club.

Impact Lukeba is going to miss some time after an injury Saturday, as the defender is now suffering from an adductor injury. The club will watch his status closely, with the defender typically a starter for the club when fit. He is now likely to miss out on their next league match, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu as the leading option to replace him.

APRIL 5 • ROTOWIRE

Plays in cup game Lukeba (knee) started and recorded four clearances, three interceptions and two tackles (one won) during Wednesday's Pokal loss to Bayern Munich.

Impact Lukeba bounced back following a four-game absence and should now be in contention to start in Bundesliga play. He was very active as a center-back before suffering the injury, so he could be chosen over El Chadaille Bitshiabu, allowing Nicolas Seiwald to return to midfield in upcoming fixtures.

FEBRUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with team, late call in Cup Lukeba (knee) resumed team training on Monday and is a late call for Wednesday's DFB Pokal game against Bayern, the club announced.

Impact Lukeba is pushing toward a return from a knee injury that kept him out for the last four matches after rejoining full team training on Monday, making him a late fitness decision for Wednesday's DFB Pokal clash against Bayern. That is an encouraging development for Leipzig, as the French center-back has been a locked-in starter at the back and his availability would give the defense a noticeable lift. In his absence, El Chadaille Bitshiabu and more recently Nicolas Seiwald have stepped in alongside Willi Orban to cover his spot.

FEBRUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Out another match Lukeba (knee) is out for Saturday's match against Mainz, according to his club.

Impact Lukeba is not going to be with the club as they face Mainz, with a knee injury still too much to play through. This leaves the club without a regular starter for yet another match, likely to have Willi Orban and El Chadaille Bitshiabu remain as starters in the middle of the defense until he is fit.

JANUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against St. Pauli Lukeba (knee) won't be an option for Tuesday's clash against St. Pauli, the club announced.

Impact Lukeba suffered a knee injury last week and will miss a second game in a row since he has not yet recovered enough to make at least the bench for Tuesday's clash against St. Pauli. The center-back will hope to recover in time for Saturday's clash against Mainz. Until then, El Chadaille Bitshiabu will likely pair with Willi Orban in central defense against the Kiezkicker.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Out with knee injury Lukeba is out for Saturday's match against Heidenheim due to a knee injury, according to his club.

Impact Lukeba is hitting the sidelines for at least a match, as the defender has hit the sidelines with a knee injury. This will result in the loss of a regular starter, hoping not to push his absence another game. The club views El Chadaille Bitshiabu as his immediate backup, likely to replace him moving forward.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Finds bench spot Saturday Lukeba (shoulder) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim.

Impact Lukeba was not fit enough to start despite training Friday and had to settle for a spot on the bench Saturday. This marks the first time this season he has not featured in the starting XI. That said, he will likely see minutes later in the game depending on how it unfolds.

NOVEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Late call for Saturday Lukeba (shoulder) is a late call for Saturday's match against Hoffenheim, according to his club.

Impact Lukeba is still dealing with the shoulder injury he suffered in the club's last outing and will not be a late call for Saturday, needing to go through Friday's training session before a final decision is made. The club will monitor his status closely, as he has been a regular starter this season, having yet to miss a start. If he were to miss out, this would force a change, with El Chadaille Bitshiabu or Lukas Klostermann as possible replacements.

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Day-to-day with shoulder injury Lukeba (shoulder) is day-to-day due to a shoulder injury he suffered against Stuttgart, Leipzig announced.

Impact Lukeba is in doubt for Saturday's trip to Hoffenheim due to the shoulder issue. The defender has been a consistent starter when healthy, so if this is a concern it would be a blow. If he's unable to go Saturday, Lukeba will have the international break to recover immediately after that match.

NOVEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Plays U21 EURO with France Lukeba (abdomen) is currently playing the U21 EURO Championship with France, confirming he is fully back fit.

Impact Lukeba has fully recovered from his abdomen injury that made him miss the end of the season with Leipzig, as the defender is currently playing with the French Espoirs in the U21 EURO Championship. Lukeba is performing well, having received the MOTM award in the first game against Portugal and delivered an assist in the second one against Georgia. The Frenchman will head back to Leipzig after the competition to prepare for the 2025/26 season.

JUNE 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out with muscle injury Lukeba is out for Saturday's match against Stuttgart due to an abdominal muscle injury, accoridng to his club.

Impact Lukeba is going to miss the season finale, with the defender being left on the sidelines after suffering a muscle injury during training. This is a tough loss for the club, as he is a regular starter when fit. He ends his season starting in 18 of his 23 appearances while notching 17 interceptions, 31 tackles and 68 clearances.

MAY 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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