Henrichs is hoping to make his debut for Germany in the World Cup qualifier in San Marino or in the friendly in Italy.
The 19-year-old, who has been at Bayer 04 since childhood, has been a regular in the Werkself squad this season. Whether at right or left back "opponents find it difficult to get past Benny," said Schmidt who has played Henrichs for the full 90 minutes in 13 of the 15 competitive games this season. Henrichs made his debut for the Germany U21 team a month ago.
Five predecessors
From the Kurtekotten Academy to the German national team – five other players proceeding along that route. In 1988 Knut Reinhardt received his call-up to the national team, Gonzalo Castro followed in 2007, René Adler in 2008 and Stefan Reinartz in 2010. The last Bayer 04 player was Christoph Kramer before the 2014 World Cup and now this honour goes to Benjamin Henrichs.
It's a great day for me today. I'm really happy about the call-up, it's a special honour and a great challenge," said Henrichs before adding: "I'll give 100 per cent to play well for the national team."
And Rudi Völler was also happy to hear the news. "The call-up is a wonderful thumbs up for Benny and also for youth development at Bayer 04. Everybody at the club is happy for him – Benny has earned this chance through his performances over recent months,” said the sporting director.
Five Leverkusen players in the squad
Löw has called up four other Leverkusen players: Kevin Volland, Julian Brandt, Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah. Volland has eight full international caps, Brandt four. Tah and Leno have made two appearances for Germany.
The match in San Marino is on Friday 11 November at 20.45 CET and the friendly against Italy is on Tuesday 15 November at 20.45 CET in Milan.
After a run of seven games unbeaten in all competitions, the Werkself suffered a 1-0 defeat at FC Union Berlin despite their best efforts. Captain Robert Andrich, who took responsibility for the goal, said after the match: "Now we have to focus on not losing our heads even in difficult situations. That has always made us strong in the past." The Werkself review.
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Bayer 04 were beaten 1-0 away at Union Berlin on Matchday 23 in the Bundesliga. Kasper Hjulmand’s side struggled to create clear chances, while the hosts struck the only goal of the game through Rani Khedira in the 28th minute.
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Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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