
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."


Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
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Werder Bremen play Bayer 04 for the 90th time in the Bundesliga this Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The overall record so far still favours the Green and Whites, who have 28 wins against the Black and Reds (with 25 defeats and 36 draws). The visit to the BayArena marks the start of a crucial busy week for Werder Bremen with clashes against TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach to follow. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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A great start to the new eSports year as the Leverkusen professional gamers pick up nine points in the first three of six matches in the online preliminary round of the fourth showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. Between big wins, wonder goals and composed performances, there was plenty on offer against VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Augsburg.
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In keeping with the current freezing temperatures, Bayer 04 has heavily discounted numerous winter items – from cozy hats and sporty matchday clothing to stylish fleece and winter jackets.
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