With the Bayer 04 head coach recently being forced to keep changing his starting eleven, the boss have received a boost ahead of the crucial decider for a Champions League spot as three key players return to training. In the home game against Hannover 96 on Saturday, the Werkself will probably only be missing Kevin Volland (one-match ban) and Joel Pohjanpalo (rehab after ankle injury). Lars and Sven Bender, rested due to muscular problems recently, were able to complete the whole training session on Wednesday but Jonathan Tah, in his first full session since his hip injury, went back to the changing room half an hour earlier than the others as a precautionary measure.
The training session on Wednesday was not only the final open session ahead of the almost completely sold out Hannover game but also the last open session before the summer break and the last open session for Stefan Kießling with his career at Leverkusen coming to an end after 12 years on Saturday. After the session was over, he undoubtedly had the longest way back to the changing rooms as he patiently fulfilled all signature and selfie requests from the fans at the training ground.
From Thursday, the Werkself have two further training sessions behind closed doors ahead of the decisive and final game of the season.
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
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