Emile Smith Rowe has returned to training with RB Leipzig, albeit on an individual basis for the time being, as they prepare to face TSG Hoffenheim.

When Smith Rowe completed his loan move to Leipzig in January, it was with the knowledge that he was still carrying an injury. As a result, he’s missed the first four games of his loan spell, but he’s now back in individual training ahead of the fifth.

RB Leipzig posted the update on their Twitter account, along with a picture of Smith Rowe warming up:

https://twitter.com/RBLeipzig_EN/status/1097860508114448386

It remains to be seen whether the 18-year-old will be ready to play against Hoffenheim on Monday. If he doesn’t join up with the squad in full training in the next couple of days though, it seems very unlikely.

It’d be a shame if Smith Rowe missed the game, as he has the opportunity to face up against his academy teammate Reiss Nelson, who is on loan with Leipzig’s opponents. On the other hand, Nelson didn’t manage to get off the bench in Hoffenheim’s last game, so it’s possible they’ll both be watching on either way. We’ll see.