Werkself start build-up for big match without international players

"It will be a brilliant game of football!" said Robert Andrich following training at the BayArena with just the right words for the forthcoming league challenge. The 28-year-old and his Werkself teammates are away to Bayern Munich on Friday 15 September (kick-off: 20.30 CEST). The first game on Bundesliga matchday four is also the meeting of top of the table Bayer 04 and the level on points pursuers from Munich. "But you shouldn't read too much into the situation in the table so early in the season," said Andrich.

The midfield dynamo and his teammates including Jeremie Frimpong, Nathan Tella and Alejandro Grimaldo worked on different moves in tight spaces and also putt in plenty of shooting practice in temperatures of 30 degrees. Nine players from the U19 and U17 squads took part. In the middle of the session, Patrik Schick entered the training pitch together with Carsten Rademacher (head of rehab therapy). "Everything is good" declared the striker addressing the members of the media present – with a smile and a thumbs up. The Czechia international is continuing to work on his comeback every day and he is making good progress.

Hincapie back in full training

Piero Hincapie is again an important part of the training group this week. The versatile defender completed the whole session with the team for the first time on Monday following his rehab afterr a metatarsal injury. "It's important for Piero to be fully involved again," declared Xabi Alonso following the training session. "The plan is for him to train normally for the whole week. And then we'll see if he'll be ready for Friday. Up to now he hasn't had any pain after the training sessions and that's the most important thing."

The 15 players away on international duty are set to return to Leverkusen in the middle of the week and then join in preparations for the clash in Munich. Robert Andrich hopes all his teammates come back fit and healthy. Because, after the international break, he wants to join with them against the record champions in "building on the impressive and mainly dominant performances in recent matches."