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

Julia Mickenhagen verlässt Bayer 04
Women - 12.05.2026

Julia Mickenhagen to move to VfB Stuttgart

Full-back Julia Mickenhagen is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the season to join Bundesliga newcomers VfB Stuttgart. The 21-year-old’s contract with the club expires on 30 June.

Show more
Women keep Champions League hopes alive with win in Leipzig | 25th matchday
Werkself-TV - 11.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 3-1 win at RB Leipzig

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-1 win at RB Leipzig on the 25th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Zweikampf im Training
Women - 10.05.2026

Bayer 04 Women looking to keep Champions League hopes alive at Leipzig

The Werkself need a win in their penultimate match of the season at RB Leipzig on Monday evening (18:00 CEST) to keep their hopes of third place alive until the final day. After Eintracht Frankfurt lost on Saturday, Roberto Pätzold's side can close the gap on their rivals to two points and leave it all to play for next Sunday.

Show more
Werkself Warriors Celebrate First Season Together
Fans - 10.05.2026

Werkself Warriors Celebrate First Season Together

Werkself fans from across the New York City area gathered Saturday morning at Smithfield Hall in Manhattan to cheer on Bayer 04 in the club’s crucial Bundesliga showdown against VfB Stuttgart given the match’s big implications.

Show more
Die Werkself nach Abpfiff bei den mitgereisten Fans
Bundesliga - 10.05.2026

Werkself Review #VfBB04: Determined to end on a high at home

In the next head-to-head clash for the Champions League places at VfB Stuttgart, Bayer 04 failed to follow up their impressive 4-1 win at home to RB Leipzig from the week before. After Aleix Garcia gave the Werkself the lead with their fastest goal of the season, the Swabians turned the game around and won 3-1, knocking Leverkusen down into sixth place. It leaves them needing a win at home to Hamburger SV and other results to go their way on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign in order to reclaim fourth spot. The Werkself Review has all the analysis and reaction from all those involved in an eventful encounter with VfB.

Show more