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.
Bayer 04 Women have their second straight home game as they close out Matchday 5 in the Google Pixel Bundesliga against Carl Zeiss Jena on Monday. Kick-off at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion is at 6pm CEST, with head coach Roberto Pätzold expecting a defensive-minded opponent while his team look to continue their good form.
Show moreBayer 04 host Bundesliga newcomers at the BayArena for Matchday 6 on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST) in a game where the club will mark its 120th anniversary with a special-edition kit. Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, Xabi Alonso talked about how his team will approach the fixture with the right mentality and required respect for the opposition.
Show moreThe German double winners’ special-edition jersey to mark the club’s 120th anniversary is reminiscent of the first kit worn by players back in the 1907/08 season. The jersey, which the Werkself will wear for the Bundesliga home game against Holstein Kiel on Saturday, 5 October and which has been met with enthusiasm by the players, has numerous special features relating to the club's history, including an NFC chip that leads to exclusive content when scanned with a smartphone.
Show moreBundesliga debutants Holstein Kiel come to the BayArena on Saturday, 5 October (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST) looking to improve on their defensive record up against the Werkself after a tough start to the season. No team has conceded more goals so far than the promoted side. Learn more about our next opponents here…
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