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.
SC Paderborn 07, the second-placed team in Bundesliga 2, face the Werkself in the second round of the DFB Pokal. Although Paderborn have won six games in a row, Bayer 04 have never lost to SCP. That will hopefully continue on Wednesday, 29 October (kick-off: 18:00 CET) with Patrick Ittrich the man with the whistle. The experienced referee will have to make do without the support of VAR at the Home Deluxe Arena. Read on for further information on tonight’s game in the matchday news.
Show more
Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the German Football League (DFL), has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October - including Werkself player Alejandro Grimaldo. Black and Red fans can vote from now until Sunday, 2 November (23:59 CET).
Show more
A Leverkusen player is a step closer to winning the UEFA Women's Nations League tournament after the semi-finals, and another Werkself player secured her nation's place in League A. A trio also impressed for the German U23s, while another made her debut for the U19s. Read on for updates on the most recent international appearances of the six members of the Bayer 04 Women’s first team squad.
Show more
Can the Werkself build on their successful run in the Bundesliga in the DFB Pokal? "We're ready for the next good game," said coach Kasper Hjulmand confidently. Ahead of the second-round clash at SC Paderborn 07 on Wednesday, 29 October (kick-off:18:00 CET), the Dane spoke about the Bundesliga 2 title-contenders' impressive recent record as well as options in the centre of midfield, Schick's return and the goalkeeping situation for the cup tie.
Show more
SC Paderborn 07 have made an excellent start to the season under new coach Ralf Kettemann. The current second-placed side in Bundesliga 2 have won their last six matches. The East Westphalians now head into their home game against the Werkself in the second round of the DFB Pokal on Wednesday, 29 October (kick-off: 18:00 CET) brimming with confidence. The lowdown on our next opponents
Show more
