Update on Bellarabi and Kampl
Good news from the training ground: Karim Bellarabi trained with the first team on Wednesday afternoon.
The Germany international did not complete all the drills, but after months in rehab and lots of individual sessions, working with his team-mates represents an important step in the right direction for the 26-year-old.
Kevin Kampl is also well on the way to making his comeback. The midfielder, who has been sidelined with a metatarsal injury, returned to work with fitness coaches Schahriar Bigdeli and Daniel Jouvin. At the same time, the rest of the squad were preparing for the final home game of the year against FC Ingolstadt.
Visit to children’s clinic
Following the training session, several Werkself players made their way to the children’s clinic in Leverkusen for the annual festive visit to young patients.
Happy Birthday
An old friend celebrates his 40th birthday today (Wednesday). Daniel Niedzkowski, who was assistant coach at Bayer 04 for three years up to the summer, is now working with the German FA (DFB) as assistant to the Under 21s coach Stefan Kuntz and he also supports Frank Wormuth, the head of coach education. Bayer 04 wish Daniel Niedzkowski many happy returns.
Related News
Werkself-TV - 15.01.2026
A New Chapter | Jarell Quansah: From Liverpool to Leverkusen
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 15.01.2026
Maza and Kofane return as small group work on day off
Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
Show more
Bayer 04 - 15.01.2026
New training camp: Bayer 04 heading to Blankenhain in Thuringia this summer
After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 15.01.2026
AFCON blog: BEN SEGHIR AND MOROCCO IN THE FINAL AFTER PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
Show more
Bayer 04 - 14.01.2026
Bayer 04 to reimburse ticket prices to all travelling fans after Hamburg postponement
Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
Show more
