Bayer 04 will definitely be without the ever-present Wendell: The 24-year-old Brazilian has played in all fourteen competitive matches of the season so far and, with the exception of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, has played the most minutes for the Werkself. In the 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig, the full-back picked up a fifth yellow card and will now serve a one-match ban; as will Benny Henrichs after his red card. That means both will be missing from the defensive line-up against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Sven Bender, still suffering pain from a double rib fracture in the game against Augsburg, completed three out of four training sessions this week with the Tuesday afternoon spent working on his own at the BayArena. There will be a late fitness test on the 28-year-old ahead of the game against the team in seventh place. "I'm getting better. But we have to see day by day whether it's enough for Saturday," said Bender.
Panos Retsos is also hopeful. After the Greek broke off training on Monday after feeling unwell, the medical advice following an examination was to rest in bed but the 19-year-old defensive all-rounder was back in full training with his team-mates on Wednesday morning. "I feel much better and I think I'll be one hundred per cent fit for Saturday. the decision is down to the coach," declared Retsos knowing that Heiko Herrlich has two other defenders as options in André Ramalho and Tin Jedvaj.
Vladlen Yurchenko was the only one missing from the training ground on Wednesday. The Ukrainian midfielder suffered a bruised foot in training on Monday and has trained on his own for the past two days.
Herrlich will be working with his team behind closed doors for the next two days to fine tune his side for the match against Eintracht. Following the final pre-match training session, the Werkself squad will head for the team hotel in Frankfurt early on Friday evening.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
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