Update on Bellarabi and Kampl

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.