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)
Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).
Show more
On Tuesday night, the Leverkusen e-sports team played the first three of their six group stage matches in the second round of the 2026/27 VBL Club Championship. They were unable to secure more than a draw in either of their matches against FC Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart. The match against Bayern Munich ended in defeat.
Show more
Once again, several Werkself players are set to represent their respective national teams during the final international break of the calendar year. Here is an overview of the Leverkusen players called up for international duty and the match dates. This will be updated regularly.
Show more
The Bundesliga has announced the nominees for the ‘Top Goal of the Month’ award for October. Fans of the Werkself can now vote for, amongst others, Robert Andrich’s stunning volley from the match against Mainz 05 or Moussa Diaby’s curling shot into the top corner from the same fixture. Voting, exclusively on the Bundesliga app, remains open until Sunday, 8 November (23:59 CET).
Show more
