The Werkself players felt the after-effects of the Porto home match on Friday morning. "We talked about the game this morning and now we have to work on it," said Bosz who had the starting eleven complete a relaxed recovery session. "We did a bit more with the others but not too much because we have an important Bundesliga game against Augsburg in a couple of days," explained the 56-year-old head coach at the press conference.
Karim Bellarabi returned to full training after recovering from a cold and is an option for Sunday. Moussa Diaby also returned in time from Paris to complete the morning training session after he yesterday paid a flying visit to his heavily pregnant partner. The Diaby baby is letting people wait and the 20-year-old is on standby up into including the Augsburg game. Kevin Volland, who had to limp off in added time after a challenge in last night's game against Porto, underwent an MRI scan but no serious injury was revealed. "We'll have to wait and see about the pain and whether this weekend is an option," said Bosz.
The head coach refused to reveal if he intends to rotate his side for the game against FC Augsburg, who have yet to beat the Werkself in Germany's top flight: "All the players available to us are an option. We can play with different systems and the variations depend on availability and opponents. We are definitely prepared for different scenarios that will arise against Augsburg."
Match information:
Attendance: 23,500; tickets available on the matchday from 13.30 CET
TV broadcaster: Sky
Referee: Sven Jablonski (Bremen)
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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