Back
20.05.2022Bayer 04

News in brief: Flick on World Cup chances for Wirtz

Germany coach Hansi Flick has talked about Werkself player Florian Wirtz possibly playing in the World Cup. Also in today’s news in brief: The winner scored by Exequiel Palacios in the 2-1 victory SC Freiburg in video game format and the birthday of a Bayer 04 Women’s team player.
crop_20220313_FS_B04v_FCK_30627.jpg

At a press conference ahead of the international fixtures in the UEFA Nations League, Hansi Flick was asked about the chances of the currently injured Florian Wirtz playing in the World Cup in November 2022. “Flo Wirtz is one of our most highly gifted players.” However, it does depend on the 19-year-old “being 100% fit so that there are no risks at all. We will make sure that nothing goes wrong.”

Wirtz suffered a torn cruciate in the derby against FC Köln last March. That means just one thing for a football player: a long time on the sidelines and a tough path back to the pitch. The example of a 2014 World Cup winner does provide hope. Sami Khedira also suffered a torn cruciate back in November 2013 and he was fit again in time for the start of the World Cup in Brazil in June 2014.

The Bayer 04 number 27 is currently working daily on his comeback. He is certainly making great efforts at the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehab centre. It remains to be seen if he’ll be fit again in November 2022 when Germany challenge for the World Cup in Qatar.

Palacios' long-range cracker in Video game format

The German Football League (DFL), in tandem with their partner EA Sports, select spectacular incidents from every Bundesliga matchday for their #BLrecreated series, which are then presented in the FIFA football game format. On matchday 34, they opted for the winner at 2-1 scored by Exequiel Palacios in the match against SC Freiburg. The Argentina international gained possession on the halfway line in the seventh minute of added time, then shot from the semi-circle to secure three points for the Black and Reds very late on. Here's the video.

happy birthday, Sylwia

Bayer 04 midfielder Sylwia Matysik today celebrates her 25th birthday. The Poland international joined the Werkself from Polish top-flight club Gornik Leczna at the start of the 2020/21 season. The number four in the Bayer 04 Women’s team has made 31 appearances in the Women’s Bundesliga and Women’s DFB Cup over the past two seasons. Have a great day, Sylwia.

Related News

Cornelia Kramer am Ball
Women - 16.10.2026

‘Reinforcing our ambition’: Bayer 04 Women take on Eintracht Frankfurt

Following the international break, the Bayer 04 women’s team face their next head-to-head clash in the race for a top spot in the Bundesliga. In Saturday’s home match (14:00 CEST), the fourth-placed side host third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. Head coach Roberto Pätzold is well aware of the great opportunity this presents for his team.

Show more
4-0 at Lech Poznan - Werkself extend winning run on European stage | 2nd matchday UEL
Werkself-TV - 15.10.2026

Highlights of 4-0 win at Lech Poznan

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win at Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 Europa League season...

Show more
crop_20261015_EL_LPOB04_MD_0206.jpg
Europa League - 15.10.2026

Follow the Werkself’s trip to Poznan ✈️🇵🇱

Bayer 04 make their first trip to Poland for over 30 years as they face Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the league phase in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. The game kicks off at 18:45 CEST on Thursday, but the team will be preparing for the action on Wednesday with training, travel and pre-match press conferences. We’ll bring you all the latest news here…

Show more
Patrik Schick und Co. jubeln in Posen
Europa League - 15.10.2026

4–0 at Lech Poznan – Werkself extend winning run on European stage

Bayer 04 remain unbeaten in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. After winning the opener against NK Celje, the Werkself followed that up on Thursday night with a 4–0 win away at the Polish champions Lech Poznan. Patrik Schick, who came on as a substitute early in the game, scored twice from the penalty spot, and Malik Tillman also found the back of the net before half-time. The second half was a more subdued affair, with Ibrahim Maza scoring late on to seal the final 4-0 scoreline.

Show more