Lars Bender sidelined – internationals set to return
During the international break, Peter Bosz gave his players three days off at the end of last week – before starting preparations for the Hoffenheim game with clear minds.
The Werkself clearly enjoyed the short break and shared that with their followers on the various social media channels. Lucas Alario soaked up the sun in Madrid, Dominik Kohr and his wife went on a city trip to London, Joel Pohjanpalo headed for Paris, Rambo Özcan went back home to Austria and Sam Schreck had his picture taken drinking coffee in the sunshine.
Lars Bender Hit by cold
Everybody returned to the training ground yesterday – with the exception of Lars Bender who was sidelined on Monday morning with a cold. Joel Pohjanpalo and Panos Retsos, whose comebacks were a highlight of last Wednesday's friendly against Ajax, both completed the warm-up sessions at the start of the week and, after their first drills with the ball along with their team-mates, they withdrew to a neighbouring pitch for individual training during the more intensive sessions.
Brandt AnD Co. Due back from Wednesday
As a result of international break, the group was below strength for the final open session 04 days before the away game at TSG Hoffenheim (Friday, 20.30 CET). The international players are set to return to Leverkusen over the next few days and, after a day off training on Tuesday, will rejoin the squad for full training on Wednesday and Thursday.
Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Jonathan Tah set off back to Leverkusen early on Monday. Julian Baumgartlinger and Aleksandar Dragovic have already landed in Düsseldorf after leaving the Austrian team on a flight from Tel Aviv via Munich. Tin Jedvaj, who was in action for Croatia on Sunday, did not join in training on Monday.
Lukas Hradecky is set to play for Finland on Tuesday (20.45 CET) against Armenia in a European qualifier, Adrian Stanilewicz and the Germany U20s are due to play their counterparts from Poland on Tuesday at 18.00 CET in the Elite League. Both will return to Leverkusen on Wednesday. The final player to return will be Charles Aránguiz on Thursday – after a friendly for Chile against the USA in Houston on Wednesday night (02.00 CET).
Related News
Women - 28.04.2026
Former Germany international Carolin Simon rejoins Bayer 04
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
Show more
Women - 27.04.2026
Bayer 04 Women sign Dutch striker Lobke Loonen
Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Women - 26.04.2026
Bayer 04 Women reach 40 points with comfortable home win over Freiburg
The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
Show more
Bundesliga - 26.04.2026
Werkself Review #KOEB04: Derby winning run extended thanks to 'clinical conversion'
The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
Show more
