Back
8.07.2019Bayer 04

Five internationals return– Baumgartlinger back on Wednesday

After Saturday's 4-0 win against Wuppertaler SV in the first friendly of the pre-season and the day off on Sunday, the Werkself returned to the training ground on Monday morning. The international players Kai Havertz, Lukas Hradecky, Tin Jedvaj, Paulinho and Aleksandar Dragovic were back on board for the first time.
20190708_B04_Training_53567.jpg

The five returned to the BayArena on Sunday morning to complete the performance tests in the Werkstatt that the rest of the squad put behind them on Thursday. "It was good! Everything went perfectly for me," said Kai Havertz. "You keep fit on holiday to make sure you pass the tests." But in the first two weeks after the international fixtures it was a question of putting his feet up – "switching off and doing nothing is also important. But then I started my individual training programme that they gave us to use at home," explained the 20-year-old.

The returnees first completed an individual warm-up routine in the training session before moving on to passing and shooting drills and finally joining the rest of the squad for a practice match. Havertz had a positive impression of the three new signings Kerem Demirbay, Moussa Diaby and Daley Sinkgraven: "We've done very well strengthening the squad and we'll definitely have fun with these players."

Baumgartlinger Still in rehab

At the start of the week, Peter Bosz had 20  pros plus the two U19 players Adrian Stanilewicz and Marcel Lotka at his disposal. Jonathan Tah, Charles Aránguiz and Leon Bailey will join the rest of the squad at the training camp in Zell am See-Kaprun (15 to 21 July). Julian Baumgartlinger is still sidelined. The Austrian injured an ankle in the international break and is currently working on a one-to-one basis in rehab with a physiotherapist in Munich. Baumgartlinger is expected to return to Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Related News

Bayer 04 bei der Pride am Rhein
Sustainability - 23.06.2026

Diversity under the Cross: Bayer 04 at Pride on the Rhine in Leverkusen

Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.

Show more
Melissa Friedrich verlängert
Women - 21.06.2026

Eleventh season at Bayer 04: Melissa Friedrich agrees new deal to 2027

Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.

Show more
Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 18.06.2026

Portuguese striker Afonso Moreira joins Bayer 04 from Lyon

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.

Show more
Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 18.06.2026

A prolific rising star on the wing: Profile of Afonso Moreira

A warm welcome to Leverkusen, Afonso Moreira! Bayer 04 have signed the 21-year-old Portuguese player from the top-flight French club Lyon. The left-winger has signed a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2031. Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the new signing.

Show more