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.
A 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.
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Bosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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Preparations for the 2025/26 season at Bayer 04 start next Monday, 7 July, with the first team and youth players training together. Without the international players who were involved with their national teams at the end of last season, new head coach Erik ten Hag will welcome a group of senior and youth players to the first open training session one week ahead of the departure to the training camp in Rio de Janeiro. After the official welcome in the dressing room, the Werkself players will start the session in the shadow of the BayArena on 7 July at 14:00 CEST.
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The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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