Brajan Gruda
RBL
Right Winger
Wide Forward
May 31, 2004 (22)
Left
5'10"
154 lb
Trains individually during break
Gruda (strainl) trained individually Tuesday rather than with RB Leipzig's remaining squad after withdrawing from Germany duty due to the issue, according to Leipziger Volkszeitung.
Analysis: Gruda suffered abdominal muscle problems in the match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen before the international break and was forced off early, subsequently withdrawing from Germany duty. He remained apart from RB Leipzig's regular group Tuesday, completing an individual session at the training center instead. That keeps his recovery on an individual track for now, but the club has roughly a week and a half to get him ready for the Oct. 10 meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt, making the international break an important period for him to build back toward full team training and match availability.
Diagnosed with abdominal strain
Gruda has been diagnosed with a lateral abdominal muscle strain after being forced off during Sunday's 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen and will not join the Germany squad during the international break, according to the club.
Analysis: Gruda's early exit against Leverkusen has now been confirmed as an abdominal muscle strain after he initially appeared to be dealing with a hip issue. The forward will use the international break to recover rather than joining Germany, though no specific timetable for his return has been provided. His status for the first match after the break remains uncertain, with Tidiam Gomis among the options to take on a larger role if Gruda remains unavailable.
Precautionary withdrawal
Gruda was forced off as a precaution after taking a blow to the hip during Sunday's 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, according to coach Martin Demichelis. "He received a blow to the hip, and from there, the pain just kept getting worse, but I don't think it's a serious injury."
Analysis: Gruda's withdrawal in the 26th minute was made with caution in mind, with manager Demichelis noting the forward himself did not want to take any risks, and Tidiam Gomis replacing him. Further clarity on his availability for upcoming matches should emerge during the international break.
Forced off with injury
Gruda was forced off with an apparent injury in the 25th minute of Sunday's match against Leverkusen, according to the club.
Analysis: Gruda was unable to continue after experiencing an issue midway through the first half, with Tidiam Gomis replacing him in the 25th minute. The nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, and further assessment will be needed to determine whether the winger is facing any time on the sidelines. Gomis would be among the candidates for increased minutes if Gruda is forced to miss additional matches.
Cleared for Como clash
Gruda (leg) is available for Thursday's Champions League clash against Como after recovering from his recent issue, according to Bild.
Analysis: Gruda's return comes at a useful time for Leipzig after he missed time with a leg alignment issue. The 22-year-old could return directly to the starting XI on the right wing, particularly after Johan Bakayoko struggled in the recent 3-1 defeat to Werder Bremen. Andrija Maksimovic also strengthened his case for more minutes by providing an assist off the bench in that match, increasing competition in the attacking positions. Gruda's availability gives manager Martin Demichelis another creative and direct option as Leipzig open their Champions League campaign.
Ruled out against Bremen
Gruda (calf) will not feature in Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen as Leipzig take a cautious approach with his minor injury, according to LVZ.
Analysis: Gruda's injury appears minor, but Leipzig have opted not to risk him against Bremen. Johan Bakayoko and Christopher Nkunku are the leading candidates to replace him on the right wing Saturday. Gruda's absence could be brief, with a return possible as soon as the Champions League clash against Como next week.
Questionable against Bremen
Gruda (ankle/ribs) is uncertain for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen after picking up ankle discomfort and a rib contusion in his last appearance, according to coach Martin Demichelis. "We'll see whether he's involved or not."
Analysis: Gruda's availability is likely to be determined closer to kickoff after he emerged from the previous match with multiple physical issues. The 22-year-old has become an important attacking option for Leipzig, so his potential absence would leave manager Martin Demichelis needing to adjust his plans on the right flank. Johan Bakayoko and Christopher Nkunku are the leading candidates to start on the right wing if Gruda is unable to feature Saturday.
Extends Leipzig loan stay
Gruda will remain with RB Leipzig for the 2026-27 season after the club agreed to extend his loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, the club announced.
Analysis: Gruda made an immediate impact after arriving on loan in February, recording three goals and three assists in 14 competitive appearances while helping Leipzig secure Champions League qualification. The attacking midfielder quickly established himself as a valuable offensive option, highlighted by a goal and an assist in his home debut against Wolfsburg and a two-goal, one-assist performance in a 5-0 win over Hoffenheim. Still only 22 years old, Gruda brings experience from spells with Mainz, Brighton and Leipzig, totaling 11 goals and 14 assists across 90 professional appearances. He is expected to remain an important part of Leipzig's attack as the club prepares to compete in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League next season.
Heading back to Brighton
Gruda will return to parent club Brighton following the conclusion of his loan spell at RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Gruda joined Leipzig in February after making 18 Premier League appearances for Brighton, recording one goal and one assist. He quickly found his rhythm back in the Bundesliga, tallying three goals and three assists across 755 minutes during his loan spell. After thriving once again in the league where he first broke through with Mainz, the attacking midfielder now returns to Brighton, where his role for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign will be decided in the coming weeks.
Assists as substitute
Gruda had an assist while taking two shots (one on goal), crossing twice (one accurate) and creating two chances during Saturday's 4-1 loss to Leverkusen.
Analysis: Gruda entered the match at halftime and set up Christoph Baumgartner in the 80th for Leipzig's lone goal. The assist was the first goal involvement since March 20th, which was also his last league start, as he's combined for four shots, three chances created and six crosses over his last three appearances.
Ruled out with injury
Gruda (undisclosed) is dealing with an apparent injury and ruled out for Saturday's clash against Fulham, according to Andy Naylor from The Athletic.
Analysis: Gruda didn't make the squad for Saturday's clash against the Cottagers after dealing with an apparent injury. The attacking midfielder will likely be assessed in the coming days to know the extend of the issue and the timeline he will require to come back. Gruda has been a regular starter for the Seagulls, therefore his absence forces a change in the starting squad, with Diego Gomez starting on the right wing and Pascal Gross getting the number 10 role on Saturday.
Appears from bench
Gruda recorded no stats in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Gruda dropped to the bench after he earned the start last time out, starting in five of the club's past eight games. He would only appear for 13 minutes, not registering any significant stats. That said, he has yet to earn a goal since earning the raise in minutes, with one goal and an assist all season.
On bench against Bees
Gruda (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brentford.
Analysis: Gruda has cleared his minor knee injury over the international break and is back available for Saturday's clash against the Bees. That said, he returns to a place on the bench for the Seagulls and is expected to keep that role moving forward. His presence will give the team depth and cover in the wide areas if needed during the match.
Fully recovered from injury
Gruda (knee) fully recovered from his injury and is available for Saturday's clash against Brentford, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to Johnny Cantor.
Analysis: Gruda has cleared his minor knee injury over the international break and is back available for Saturday's clash against the Bees. That said, his return won't impact the starting squad since he is expected to be a bench option for the Seagulls moving forward.
Still not ready yet
Gruda (knee) won't be an option for Sunday's clash against Crystal Palace, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to The Argus.
Analysis: Gruda is still recovering from his knee injury and isn't yet an option for Sunday's clash against Palace. The midfielder has mainly been a bench option for the Seagulls this season, therefore his absence doesn't impact the starting lineup.
Remains out
Gruda (knee) remains out for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference. "Also, the players who are still affected by small issues still might not be available. There are small chances, but I think that the squad from Arsenal will be the squad for tomorrow."
Analysis: Gruda has been dealing with a knee issue and will likely miss a third game in a row since the game against Leeds United on Saturday is coming too soon for the attacking midfielder, except a late minute surprise. That said, coach Fabian Hurzeler look optimistic, suggesting Gruda could potentially return for next Sunday's clash against Crystal Palace if everything goes as planned. The attacking midfielder has mainly been a bench option this season and is expected to hold that role once fully back fit for the Seagulls.
Won't play vs. Man United
Gruda (knee) is not in the squad for Saturday's game against Manchester United.
Analysis: Gruda was initially deemed a late call for this clash, but he won't be available off the bench. He's reportedly close to being fit enough to see action, so he might be able to return when Brighton take on Leeds United on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Could be available Saturday
Gruda (knee) is close to return and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Manchester United, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference.
Analysis: Gruda is very close to making his return from a knee injury that made him miss the last game. The attacking midfielder will likely be assessed after the final training session to determine if he can make the match squad against the Red Devils on Saturday. Gruda has mainly been a bench option for the Seagulls and is expected to keep that role if fit.
Ruled out against Newcastle
Gruda (knee) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Newcastle, coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the press conference, according to The Argus.
Analysis: Gruda suffered a knee injury during international duty with the German U21 team and is ruled out for Saturday's clash against the Magpies. This is a blow for the Seagulls as they don't have fully fit options in the frontline, with several forwards also dealing with issues. That said, Gruda has mostly been a bench option this season and his absence is unlikely to impact the starting XI.
Withdraws from national team
Gruda (knee) was forced to withdraw from the German U21 team, and is questionable for Saturday's clash with Newcastle.
Analysis: Gruda didn't play with the German U21 team during the international break due to the knee issue, though the injury isn't thought to be serious. Gruda will need to pass some late fitness tests to get fit for Saturday's showdown with Newcastle, if he's fit he should be a contributor, though he's only started two matches this season.
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