Bayer 04 relaid the pitch at the BayArena during the international break and the Werkself tested it out for the first on Wednesday afternoon during the final pre-match training session. “We need a good surface for our possession football. That could be to our advantage tomorrow,” declared Peter Bosz at the pre-match press conference.
Players unable to enjoy the new surface on Thursday night include long-term absentees through injury Charles Aránguiz, Santiago Arias, Exequiel Palacios and Paulinho plus a defensive trio: Edmond Tapsoba is still self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, Lars and Sven Bender are also sidelined due to injury. “With all three, it’s too early to say if they will be fit for the weekend” said Bosz, who has again brought U19 striker Emrehan Gedikli into his squad.
“I’m expecting an intensive and good game,” said winger Leon Bailey who was also on the top table in the media centre at the BayArena. Like several of his teammates, the Jamaican returned from national duty a few days ago. Given the current number of games for the players, head coach Bosz highlighted the importance of easing workloads on Wednesday ahead of the forthcoming double-fixture weeks.
One option for the Dutchman, already used against Be’er Sheva, is Patrik Schick. After four weeks out injured, the Czech joins Lucas Alario as a possible starter in the centre of the attack. Bosz added: “But perhaps he could come on. We’ll build him up step-by-step.”
The Werkself will want to continue their winning run against Israeli teams in Europe against Be’er Sheva with a fourth victory over teams from that country – and put themselves another three points clear of the other teams in Group C. “Our group is very exciting. All four teams have already won and we’re all bunched together in the table. If we win tomorrow – and we have to at home – we’ll take a big step,” said Bosz.
Match information:
Broadcasters: RTL Nitro, DAZN and Werks11 Radio
Referee: Pawel Gil (Poland)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 midfielder Jonah Berghoff ahead of schedule. The Germany U18 international has signed professional terms with the club to 30 June 2030.
Show more
With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
Show more
With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
Show more
The guests at the Scala Club in Leverkusen were amazed when host Reiner Calmund suddenly brought the Managing Director of Sport at Bayer 04, Simon Rolfes, and record Werkself appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn onto the stage. As part of the show "An Evening with Football & Friends", organised by long-serving Bayer 04 managing director and general manager Calmund, the two surprise guests drew plenty of applause - and provided great entertainment in exciting conversations about the past and future.
Show more
