The Werkself central defender Tah missed the last two Germany games (2-2 against Argentina, 3-0 against Estonia) due to a bout of flu. The 23-year-old now returns to the national squad. "I'm happy he's been called up again," said Bayer 04 coach Peter Bosz. Midfielder Havertz was in the line-up for both of Germany's past two games and he went the full distance in the Euro qualifier against Estonia.
Amiri impressed in his debut for Germany against Argentina, producing a good performance from the bench – and now he has been called up again. The 23-year-old summer signing from TSG Hoffenheim could pick up international caps three and four. "We are proud of all three of them,"
Eleven other the Werkself players have also been called up: Lukas Hradecky, Joel Pohjanpalo (both Finland), Charles Aranguiz (Chile), Julian Baumgartlinger, Aleksandar Dragovic (both Austria), Lucas Alario (Argentina), Paulinho (Brazil U23), Moussa Diaby (France U21), Panagiotis Retsos (Greece U21), Adrian Stanilewicz (Poland U20) and Marcel Lotka (Poland U19).
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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