Three players did miss the morning session on the Leverkusen training ground. In addition to captain Lars Bender (rehab training after a torn thigh muscle), Wendell was also unable to take part in full training after suffering a bruised foot at Hamburg. "Wendell was only been able to do a limited session in the morning as he's still feeling pain from his injury," said Herrlich. Nevertheless, the boss is optimistic the Brazilian left back should be fit for Sunday. And with Jonathan Tah, who missed a return to his old stomping ground at the weekend due to a bout of flu, Herrlich is hoping he will return in the next few days. "We won't hurry things and we'll take it day by day," added the 46-year-old.
There is good news about Lars Bender: The 28-year-old is making progress with his recovery. According to the medical section, he could even start training with the ball again this week – even though that would be in a one-to-one session with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin. The home game against the team in sixth place from Gelsenkirchen, with tickets still available for the match, comes too early for the versatile defender.
On the plus side, there is an all clear for Charles Aránguiz. The Chilean, who has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, was only on the training ground this morning. While his team-mates went on to complete an energetic session on the pitch, Charles worked on his own in the Werkstatt.
This week, Werkself fans can only see their stars train on Wednesday and Thursday (both sessions start at 10.30 CET). Final preparations for the match against direct rivals for a European spot will be held behind closed doors.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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