RB Leipzig's Orban 'may miss' Union clash after stem cell donation

Berlin, Feb 7, 2023 (AFP) - RB Leipzig defender and captain Willi Orban may miss his team's top-of-the-table clash with Union Berlin on Saturday after agreeing to donate stem cells.

Orban, who has been on the donor list since 2017, was contacted and has been undergoing preparation for a stem cell donation on Wednesday.

The German-born Hungary defender has been in individual training since Sunday to prepare for the procedure, with the club tweeting on Tuesday "whether he will be in the squad for the match against Union Berlin on Saturday remains open."

In a statement put out by Leipzig's press team on Tuesday, Orban said "of course I was surprised at first when I got the information that I was a possible donor."

"But it was immediately clear to me that I wanted to do it. It's an opportunity to save a human life with very little effort."

Orban, 30, said "of course it's possible I will miss the game against Union, but despite my sporting ambitions, that's secondary in this case."

Fourth-placed Leipzig host second-placed Union in Saturday's late game. Both sides are unbeaten in 2023.