During U19 game
©IMAGO
Leipzig talent Viggo Gebel (17) will be out for several months. As the Bundesliga club reported, the young midfielder suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the U19’s 6-2 win against Halleschen FC on Saturday. This means that the season is “very likely” over for him.
Gebel has been training with the Red Bulls since 2017. Last season he made his professional debut at the age of 16 years, 8 months and 26 days when he came on as a substitute in the cup opener in Essen (4-1). Only one player in the club’s history was younger. So far, Gebel has played a total of 20 minutes spread over four appearances for the first team. Otherwise he mainly played for the U17 and U19 teams.
“As a club, we are fully behind Viggo and will provide him with comprehensive support in every phase of his healing process. He can be sure that the entire professional team is keeping its fingers crossed for a quick and complete recovery and that we will provide him with the best possible support on his way back to the pitch,” managing director Marcel Schäfer is quoted as saying. U19 coach Sebastian Heidinger added: “This is a heavy blow – especially for Viggo, who is a central part of our U19 team. We wish him a successful operation and are there for him at all times during this difficult phase.”