RB Leipzig vs. Universitatea Craiova: probable line-ups, match stats and live blog!

Germany international Timo Werner should return to the RB Leipzig starting line-up in the first leg of their clash at home to Romanian side Universitatea Craiova in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday (kick-off 18:30 CEST / 16:30 GMT / 12:30 ET).

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Following an extended post-World Cup break, 22-year-old Werner made his first appearance of 2018/19 in his side's 3-0 friendly defeat to Huddersfield Town last Friday, just a day after Leipzig booked their place in this tie with a 1-1 draw away to Swedish side Häcken. Yussuf Poulsen could partner him up front as Ralf Rangnick's men look to book a place in the play-off round – the final qualifying phase before the group stage proper – but the head coach has a selection headache in defence, with Konrad Laimer, Nordi Mukiele and Dayot Upamecano all sidelined.

For Craiova, the fixture represents their first game in the competition this term after finishing third in the Romanian top flight last season. The new domestic campaign has not gone quite to plan, however, with Devis Mangia's side drawing two and losing one of their opening three league assignments.

Probable line-ups

RB Leipzig: Gulacsi – Klostermann, Orban (c), Konate, Saracchi – Demme, Kampl – Augustin, Bruno, Forsberg - WernerAbsentees: Laimer (adductor), Halstenberg (cruciate ligament), Sabitzer (shoulder), Upamecano (leg), Mukiele (adductor)Coach: Ralf Rangnick

Craiova: Pigliacelli  - Gardos, Ferreira, Bancu, Popa – Mateiu, Mitrita, Cicaldau – Mihaila, Borta, BurlacuAbsentees: N/ACoach: Devis Mangia