Kevin Volland, Mitchell Weiser, Karim Bellarabi, Wendell, Kerem Demirbay, the two goalkeepers Ramazan ‘Rambo’ Özcan and Niklas Lomb plus U19 player Ayman Azhil formed today's training group. The Bender twins completed individual sessions – Lars was involved in a running session on the pitch ahead of his team-mates.
"I don't know when Lars will be back with the team. The problem is that we are only a small group at the moment. That means everything the players do is intensive. We have to be careful – perhaps it's better if he completes an individual programme at the BayArena first," said Bosz. With regard to his twin brother Sven, he is expecting him to return to training tomorrow: "He could have trained today but I decided to rest him. He's played in every game and he has to take it a bit easier when we have the opportunity."
The head coach faces the longer term absence of Charles Aránguiz (hairline fracture in right metatarsal plus thigh injury) and Daley Sinkgraven (muscular injury) – both were injured in Saturday’s game against RB Leipzig. "Unfortunately, that happens in football. Up to that matchday, we haven't had serious injuries this season. Now it's hit us hard. It's a shame that happened." The 54-year-old coach does not think there will be a major problem on the personnel front: "Despite that, we will field eleven players in the next game," said Bosz, tongue-in-cheek, looking forward to the next away game at Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday 18 October (20.30 CET).
Leon Bailey could be back in time for that game. The Jamaican was working with the ball on the training ground on Monday and on his own at the stadium on Tuesday. "He will probably return to full training at the end of the week," said Bosz.
As Jogi Löw announced at the press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Germany's friendly against Argentina, including Lucas Alario, Jonathan Tah is sidelined at the moment, "Jona is very likely to miss the game. He came with a cold and it has got a bit worse overnight. We have to assume he won't train today and won't be able to play tomorrow," said the Germany coach.
Nadiem Amiri is hoping to earn his first full international cap. In an unusual move, he rang Löw himself for his first call-up. "Marcus Sorg wrote to me to say I should ring up the national coach because he doesn't have my current phone number," explained Amiri. "That gave me a bit of hope. Then Jogi told me I was in the squad. That felt great! It's a big dream come true."
While the international players prepare with their teams for the forthcoming fixtures, the players at home once again were helping out with the support day, the 'Wir(04)helfen-Tag'. Along with coaches and staff from Bayer 04, Wendell, Kerem Demirbay and Co. got to work in the Neuland Park in Leverkusen in treacherous weather conditions – the dark rain clouds simply refused to move on – as they helped to get the green spaces shipshape. The club is looking to return something to the City of Leverkusen with this event. A more detailed report on the fifth 'Wir(04)helfen-Tag' is to follow here on bayer04.de.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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