Roger Schmidt on…
…Karim Bellarabi: "Karim's rehab is going really, really well. But it is unrealistic to expect him to play in the last game of the year in the Derby against FC Köln. The winter break is only two weeks long. I expect he’ll return to full training in the New Year."
…Ömer Toprak, who dropped out of the Turkey squad on Wednesday: "Ömer picked up a muscle injury in the home game against Hoffenheim when he slipped as we conceded a goal. We were able to deal with it. I took him out of the team for the Darmstadt match. But he kept having slight problems and complained about stiffness in his muscles. The same thing cropped up with the national side and it was decided he should return home because the risk of injury was too high. He'll undergo treatment here in Leverkusen. We hope he'll be fully fit very soon."
…Vladlen Yurchenko, who played for an hour on Thursday in his comeback in the friendly against Fortuna Köln (1-0): "Vladlen has been back in full training for a week. We're glad to have him back."
…Julian Brandt: "Julian did not join the Germany squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino due to a bout of gastroenteritis. He is now recovering at home with his parents. That's the best place for a young lad to be."
…Joel Pohjanpalo (rehab after broken metatarsal): It's all looking good with Joel. It will probably be another two weeks before with certain he's fully recovered. Then he'll be able to return to full training."
…Kevin Kampl (bruised foot):"Things are looking up for Kevin. He only needs one crutch at the moment. He might make it for the run of fixtures against Leipzig, CSKA Moscow and Bayern Munich."
…Lars Bender (bruised heel): "Lars is getting better but is not making rapid progress and he can't put any weight on the heel at the moment. The match against Leipzig will be critical."
…next games: "The week has great potential for us and we can achieve a lot in the three matches. But it's an incredibly hard challenge playing against three very good teams on top of travelling to Munich via Moscow."
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreSeveral Bayer 04 Legends, Bayer executives, club officials, current defender Arthur and, of course, dozens of enthusiastic children turned out on Saturday on the south side of Sao Paulo for the official opening of the Bayer 04 Football Academy, located at Club Bayer on the campus of Bayer Brazil.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
Show more