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11.04.2018Bundesliga

Medics busy as Pohjanpalo returns to training

The sky over Leverkusen was full of thick clouds and rain on Wednesday. From a Werkself perspective, it is feasible the miserable weather could be seen as the fallout from the gloomy news on the personnel front from yesterday: Medical examinations revealed left back Wendell had suffered a torn ligament in his left ankle in the 4-1 win away to RB Leipzig on Monday night and it is likely he will be sidelined for the next four weeks.
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The 24-year-old Brazilian was on crutches rather than in his football boots at the BayArena as he missed the last open training session on Wednesday morning. Sven Bender (ankle) and keeper Bernd Leno (knee) were in a similar position after picking up knocks in the final game of matchday 29 in Leipzig two days ago. In contrast to Wendell, the duo were able to complete a session in the gym. The medical section said it is too early to say whether or not there is a possibility they will be ruled out for Saturday's home game (14 April, 15.30 CET). "I think the pair of them are tough and they'll be ready for Saturday. It's a bit easier to go beyond the pain barrier now as we're in the busy period of the run-in," said skipper Lars Bender shortly after the match in Leipzig hoping there would be no long-term injuries.

On the plus side, there was positive news on Wednesday for Joel Pohjanpalo who was able to put his boots on again following his ankle injury and return to the training ground just before the end of the team session – three days ahead of the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt he went through a light, half-hour routine on the ball with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin. The medical section said it was a matter of seeing the progress of the Finland striker over the course of the week.

The Werkself have another two training sessions planned this week with both being held behind closed doors.

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