Maxime Estève
RBL
CB
Controlled Centre Back
May 26, 2002 (24)
Left
6'4"
192 lb
LeipzigAvailable for season opener
Esteve (thigh) had recently been dealing with an injury, but the center back has rejoined collective training this week and is included in the group for Saturday's opener against Gladbach, according to the club.
Analysis: Esteve had missed the Telekom Cup match against Bayern Munich and the DFB Pokal win, but his return to full training now positions him for a potential appearance in the Bundesliga opener against Borussia Monchengladbach, even if a starting role likely comes too soon, with Castello Lukeba expected to continue at center back.
Returns to team training
Esteve (thigh) returned to team training Tuesday after missing RB Leipzig's last two matches with a muscle bruise, the club announced.
Analysis: Esteve initially missed the Telekom Cup against FC Bayern Munich and was also unavailable for the 6:0 victory in the DFB Cup but the summer signing has overcome his thigh issue and is back in training ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga opener against Borussia Monchengladbach. While his return boosts his chances of featuring, it will likely be too soon for him to reclaim a starting spot, with Castello Lukeba expected to start at center-back.
Knock still present
Esteve (thigh) is out for Saturday's DFB Pokal match against Eintracht Trier due to a knock, according to his club.
Analysis: Esteve is heading to the sidelines once again after missing a few days around a week ago with a thigh injury, as he is now out with a knock from training. The good news is this could be something he recovers from quickly, leaving him still a possible option for their season opener. Many expect him to be tasked with a starting role, so this will be watched closely, with Castello Lukeba as another option.
Sits out Bayern friendly
Esteve (thigh) was ruled out of Saturday's friendly against FC Bayern Munchen after picking up a knock in training, the club announced.
Analysis: Esteve picked up a knock in training Tuesday and left the session with his thigh bandaged, though the issue was initially not believed to be serious. His absence from Saturday's friendly against FC Bayern Munchen raises some concern given the proximity to his initial setback, but the club have not indicated a more significant injury or provided a specific severity or recovery timeline. He should be monitored as he works back into training, with the DFB-Pokal meeting with Eintracht Trier on Aug. 22 now representing his next opportunity to return to action before the Bundesliga season begins
Leaves training with bandaged thigh
Esteve left training Tuesday with his thigh bandaged, though the issue is not believed to be serious, according to Bild.
Analysis: Esteve appeared to move somewhat awkwardly on his way to the locker room, though a more significant injury is not currently feared, and whether he'll need to scale back his workload in the coming sessions remains to be seen. The summer signing recently joined Leipzig and is currently in the middle of his buildup for the new Bundesliga season, and Esteve is expected to be reassessed as his situation develops.
Signs with Leipzig through 2031
Esteve has joined RB Leipzig from Burnley through 2031, according to the club. Sporting director Marcel Schafer said "The signing of Maxime is a very important transfer for us." and praised his size, athleticism, left footed distribution and leadership qualities.
Analysis: Esteve came through Montpellier's academy, making his Ligue 1 debut in August 2021 and going on to make 59 appearances for the club before moving to Burnley on loan in February 2024. He made 16 Premier League appearances during that loan spell before the move became permanent, then was a key part of Burnley's defense during their Championship title winning promotion campaign, making 46 league appearances with 30 clean sheets and earning a spot in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. He remained a regular starter last season, making 34 Premier League appearances, and the 24 year old center back now brings that experience to Leipzig's defense.
Out Sunday
Esteve (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Wolves.
Analysis: Esteve is missing out on the club's last Premier League game for at least a season, as a hamstring injury will keep the defender out. He leaves the club without a regular defender for the season finale, ending the campaign with one clean sheet in his 34 appearances (34 starts).
Dealing with hamstring injury
Esteve is questionable for Sunday's match against Wolves due to a hamstring injury, according to manager Mike Jackson, per Matt Scrafton of the Burnley Express. "He just felt his hamstring, it was just a bit tight. I don't think it's too serious, but I've not had a chance to look at it, he just said he felt it begin to tighten up."
Analysis: Esteve is dealing with some complaints from last week after exiting with a hamstring injury, as the defender will now be a late call for Sunday. This is something to watch as the club plays its last Premier League match before relegation, potentially without its lead defender. He has only missed three starts all season, so this would be a major absence, with Hjalmar Ekdal as a possible replacement.
Leads backline in draw
Esteve was injured and subbed out in the 74th minute of Saturday's 0-0 draw versus AFC Bournemouth. He generated one tackle (zero won) and eight clearances before exiting the match.
Analysis: Esteve's eight clearances led the Burnley defensive effort Saturday as they played to a scoreless home draw versus Bournemouth. The talented young central defender has averaged 6.2 clearances per appearances across his last five appearances (five starts) in all competitions. Saturday marked just the fifth time across his 27 Premier League appearances (27 starts) in which Esteve did not play the full 90 minutes.
Exits with illness
Esteve was taken off as a precaution due feeling sick in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Bournemouth, according to coach Scott Parker, per Matt Scrafton of the Burnley Express. "He just said he was ill. He said he felt like he was going to be sick on the pitch, so obviously in that moment you can't take that risk really and we brought him off."
Analysis: Esteve had to come off in the second half of Saturday's clash against the Cherries but avoided any injury, as the defender was simply feeling sick and could not continue. That said, this is a positive update for the club since it means they have likely sidestepped an injury scare at the back. He should remain a regular in the starting XI moving forward after starting every match but three across all competitions for the Clarets this season.
Only dealing with cramp
Esteve was taken off as a precaution due to a cramp in Saturday's 1-1 draw to Liverpool, according to manager Scott Parker, per Matt Scrafton of the Burnley Express. "No, it looked like it was cramp. He was getting cramps in both quads. That's what it was, so hopefully not too serious."
Analysis: Eseteve had to be taken off 16 minutes before the final whistle on Saturday, but has avoided an injury, with the defender instead dealing with cramps and leaving due to caution. This is good news for the club, as it appears they will avoid an injury scare for their defender. He should then remain in the starting XI moving forward, starting in all 19 of his appearances.
Puts injury behind him
Esteve has started the last two matches, including Saturday's FA Cup win against Millwall.
Analysis: Esteve missed a couple matches and then was forced off only 15 minutes in a start on Dec. 30, but it appears he's fit again and fully available going forward. Regarded as Burnley's best defender, he's an important piece to the team's success and figures to be fully fit going forward, always in play to rack up high clearance numbers.
In starting lineup Wednesday
Esteve (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's matchup versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Esteve has recovered earlier than expected, taking a starting spot back from Hjalmar Ekdal. The Frenchman is a regular member of the team's back line when available, having racked up 598 accurate passes, 109 clearances and 24 interceptions across 17 matches played this season.
Won't be risked
Esteve (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Brighton, according to manager Scott Parker. "Max won't make the weekend. He's done some work on the grass today, but obviously, with the dynamics of how things went the last game, really, it's probably too much to risk with such a short turnaround. We can't afford the same situation in-game to have to make changes that early. We're siding on the air of caution. Pick him up, get some good work into him, and hopefully he'll be fit for Wednesday. We're hoping for a speedy recovery.
Analysis: Esteve will not be risked over the weekend after returning too early on Tuesday, with the defender not an option after the first half exit. The club will then be forced into some changes in the defense, with Hjalmar Ekdal, Bashir Humphreys and Josh Laurent as likely starting options in the center of the defense. Esteve is focusing his fitness on Wednesday's match, potentially making that contest with some recovery this week.
Injured again
Esteve was forced off with an injury after 15 minutes of play in Tuesday's clash against Newcastle.
Analysis: Esteve was back in the starting lineup after missing a couple of contests because of an undisclosed issue, so he possibly suffered a setback. Still, his status is unclear, and he could now be sidelined for more time if the problem is serious. Bashir Humphreys replaced him Tuesday and should be a likely beneficiary from any time Esteve misses in future weeks.
Starting in defense
Esteve (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against Newcastle.
Analysis: Esteve was a late call and has passed his testing, an option for the starting XI after some fitness issues. He should remain in this role after his two-game absence, starting in all 18 games he has been an option for this season.
Late call for Tuesday
Esteve (undisclosed) is questionable for Tuesday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Scott Parker. "Maxime is close, we'll see where he's at ahead of the game, but hopefully he'll be in the frame for a return. We're going to need everybody to be ready to play their part over the coming days and weeks."
Analysis: Esteve is still battling his injury and will need some testing ahead of Tuesday's match, with the defender still a late call due to his injury. This continues to be something to monitor for the club, as his absence'es the past two games are his only missed matches all season. If he is deemed fit, he will likely see the start, with Josh Laurent, Hjalmar Ekdal and Bashir Humphreys receiving the start in the defense in the last match.
Out vs. Everton
Esteve (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's game against Everton.
Analysis: Esteve had a shot at being available Saturday, but in the end, the defender didn't even make the bench for this clash. Bashir Humphreys will start at center-back alongside Hjalmar Ekdal in a depleted Clarets defense that's also missing Joe Worrall (undisclosed). Esteve's next chance to play will come against Newcastle United on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Could be available Saturday
Esteve (knock) was running on grass in Tuesday's training session and will be assessed later in the week to see if he can be available for Saturday's clash against Everton, coach Scott Parker said in the press conference. "Maxime was on the grass today, we will have to see later on in the week if he is fit for Saturday."
Analysis: Esteve missed the last game against Bournemouth due to a knock he received in training last week. The center-back was spotted running on grass during team training on Tuesday and will be a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against Everton. Esteve's issue appears minor according to coach Scott Parker, so there is a good chance he will be available against the Toffees and reclaim his undisputed starting role in the backline. That said, if he ultimately has to miss the game, Joe Worrall will likely replace him again for the Clarets.
Ruled out due to knock
Esteve (knock) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, coach Scott Parker confirmed to the media, according to Matt Scrafton from the Burnley Express. "Maxi is struggling with a little bit of a knock. We thought he was going to be okay but yesterday he came out of training, so that's disappointing."
Analysis: Esteve has been dealing with a knock this week and couldn't end Friday's training session due to pain. The center-back was expected to be available for Saturday's clash against the Cherries but ultimately couldn't be deemed fit enough to feature in the match squad. This is a blow for the Clarets since he is an undisputed starter in central defense and is absence forces a change in the backline, with Joe Worrall stepping in his spot for that game.
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