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.
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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