Bayer 04 changed the format of the return to training at short notice. On the recommendation of the DFL, all members of the senior squad completed a PCR test in the morning. That did not include Piero Hincapie as he tested positive for Covid-19 over Christmas. The defender from Ecuador was absent as was long-term injury Julian Baumgartlinger.
The coaching staff had 16 outfield players and four goalkeepers to work with. Lennart Grill is back on the pitch in Leverkusen after a period on loan at Brann Bergen. The 22-year-old made 13 appearances for the Norwegian top-flight club and, with only three defeats, they successfully reached the play-offs. However, Brann Bergen lost 8-7 on penalties to FK Jerv in a dramatic decider in the middle of December.
The next full training session is on Thursday. The coaching staff are hoping one or two other players may return. Due to the differing travelling demands, a number of squad members worked on their own at the BayArena on the first day of the run-in.
Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
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The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
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The Bayer 04 Round of 16 tie in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been scheduled. The Werkself will host Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig on Wednesday, 2 December, at 18:00 CET. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB).
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Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).
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