RB Leipzig’s defender, Benjamin Henrichs, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right foot during a Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich on December 20, 2024. The injury occurred late in the game, with Henrichs collapsing without contact from another player. He was subsequently stretchered off the field and underwent successful surgery in Munich on December 22, 2024.
This injury is expected to sideline Henrichs for several months, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season. In response, RB Leipzig signed Ridle Baku from VfL Wolfsburg as a replacement. Despite his own setback, Henrichs expressed enthusiasm about Baku’s addition to the team, praising his abilities and anticipating his positive impact.
As of January 2025, Henrichs has begun his rehabilitation process, utilizing crutches and wearing a walking boot to stabilize his foot. He is conducting his recovery exercises separately from the main team to maintain focus and minimize distractions. To bolster his mental resilience during this period, Henrichs has been reading “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon, aiming to harness positive energy for a successful comeback.
Henrichs’ absence poses a significant challenge for RB Leipzig, given his consistent performances and versatility in defense. The team will rely on their depth and the contributions of new signings like Baku to navigate the remainder of the season.