"Today we only practised drills rather than moves but it's good that Lars got through the session without any problems. That gives us hope that we can increase his workload over the week so he can be back on the pitch on Saturday," said Heiko Herrlich, who ruled the 28-year-old out of the Gladbach game. According to the medical section, the absence of Havertz, Volland and Wendell is due to resting them or controlling workloads. Sven Bender, recently sidelined with an ankle injury, was able to train on his own on Monday.
There is good news regarding Lukas Hradecky. The 28-year-old Finn left the protective helmet he has been wearing in training following his jaw operation in the dressing room. He also took part in goalkeeping training without his mask. There is no final diagnosis at the moment but it is to be assumed he will return to full training in the near future. However, Herrlich has ruled him out for Saturday: "We don't want to take any unnecessary risks with Lukas."Rambo Özcan will be in goal again for the first Werkself home game of the season.
Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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