Hradecky and Jedvaj return – Baumgartlinger making progress

Heiko Herrlich had 15 outfield players available for the last open training session of the week – That included four U 17 players Adrian Stanilewicz, Ismail Devici, Max Schneider and Herdi Bukusu. Kai Havertz and Panagiotis Retsos were also back in training – as they were on Monday – and Julian Baumgartlinger also completed parts of the session. After recovering from a torn cruciate in his knee, the Austrian was able to complete individual work and was also able to take part in a warm-up  and in positional play with his team-mates on the pitch. "That was a small step in the right direction for him today," said the Bayer 04 head coach. The plan is for 'Baumi' to rejoin full training next week.

Continuing knee problems for Charles Aránguiz had held him back but now he is making progress in rehab. The Werkself number 20 did half an hour's work with the ball on a neighbouring pitch before continuing his fitness programme in the gym at the BayArena.

Ahead of the Hanover game, the Werkself have  two more full training sessions – the two sessions tomorrow and on Friday are closed to the public.