Bailey and Bellarabi return to full training

It is no surprise the focus is now increasingly on preparing for the next match just one week after the return to training. That was the case on Monday with head coach Heiko Herrlich holding two training sessions – stamina was centre stage in the first week of training session of the New Year.

Leon Bailey was able to join in with both sessions. After recovering from a virus contracted last week, the 20-year-old Jamaican was back on the training ground with the Werkself for the first time in 2018. "It's always good to be able to train with the squad. I think I picked up a cold due to the difference in climate between Jamaica and Germany. But I've recovered well, I feel fit and I'm looking forward to the forthcoming challenges with Bayer 04," said Bailey. And Karim Bellarabi, who had to go off after being kicked on the shin in Saturday's friendly against Preußen Münster (2-2), was able to complete the whole of the second session.

Stefan Kießling and Charles Aránguiz were both absent from the training ground on Monday due to being rested. The same applies to Vladlen Yurchenko, who is still in rehab training due to a foot injury, who was able to train outdoors again during the week.

Tomorrow, Tuesday at 10.30, the Werkself have open training again before a closed session on Wednesday for the final preparations before taking on Bayern Munich.