
A serious blow for Bayer 04: Karim Bellarabi suffered an injury to his right thigh in Friday night's 4-1 defeat for the Werkself at Hoffenheim. That was the diagnosis of the team doctor Dr. Philipp Ehrenstein following an MRI scan. There is no need for surgery but it is the end of the season for the 28-year-old winger.
Lars Bender, who also went off before the break in Sinsheim, was not seriously injured. The right back suffered a slight injury to his left thigh. The Bayer 04 captain will not be available for next weekend's game against RB Leipzig.

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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