
Head coach Heiko Herrlich was unable to call on Charles Aránguiz at the start of the run-in to the important away match at fifth-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday (21 October, 15.30 CET). The Chile international, who suffered a torn muscle in his right calf in the Bundesliga game at Schalke 04 two weeks ago, is still receiving treatment. Captain Lars Bender, Jonathan Tah and Benny Henrichs all missed the start of training this week – all three worked on their own following minor muscular problems but are expected to train with the rest the squad again on Wednesday.
Before the start of an intensive session on finishing, the Werkself spent an hour on video analysis on Tuesday morning. An open session is planned for Wednesday before the final preparations for the game against our rivals on the Rhine continue behind closed doors.


The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
Show more
Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
Show more
The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
Show more
Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
Show more
The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
Show more