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The first home match since clinching the Bundesliga title and the pitch invasion by fans after the 5-0 win over SV Werder Bremen. "We've spoken with the groundskeepers. The pitch is maybe not as perfect as before but in good condition," revealed Xabi Alonso in response to a question at Friday's press conference.
Two men who definitely won't be on the pitch against Stuttgart are Adam Hlozek and Borja Iglesias. The attacking duo joined in with parts of team training for the first time again on Friday morning, but Saturday's primetime clash will come too soon. "At the moment, it looks like both will be able to return to full training at the start of next week," explained Alonso. "We'll then make a decision for the game in Rome on Thursday in the coming days."
As well as Hlozek and Iglesias, Granit Xhaka is suspended against VfB, who are currently on course for the UEFA Champions League in third place. The midfield anchor received his fifth booking of the campaign in the 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund, meaning he won't start a Bundesliga match for the first time this season. "It's normal for players to be suspended for yellow card accumulation now and then," said Alonso. "We have plenty of options in this position, though. It's important that we play our game and produce a good performance."
The Werkself have already had two tough encounters with Stuttgart this season, in both the 1-1 draw in the reverse league fixture and the DFB Cup quarter-final (3-2). "They've been one of the best teams in Europe this season," stressed Alonso. "They're flexible, brave and aggressive. I like their approach. It's going to be a top game!"
Victor Boniface has been voted Bundesliga Rookie of the Season 2023/24 in his first season as a Werkself player. The striker, who has won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award four times this term, has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in his 22 Bundesliga appearances to date.
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Werkself player Robert Andrich has been called up to the Germany squad for Euro 2024. For the 29-year-old midfielder with the champions of Germany, it will be the first time he has been in a major international tournament.
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From Saturday 18 May, the day of fixture against FC Augsburg on Bundesliga Matchday 34, through to Sunday 26 May, the day after the DFB Pokal final in Berlin, the Bayer 04 shops in Leverkusen city centre as well as at the BayArena will have amended opening hours. The latest information.
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The official countdown for the final between the Werkself and FC Kaiserslautern has started with just under two weeks to go before the 81st DFB Pokal final (25 May, 20.00 CEST). At the Cup handover in the Red Town Hall in Berlin, the current holders RB Leipzig handed over the DFB Pokal to the DFB and the City of Berlin on Monday. Representatives of both finalists were present at the event. Bayer 04 CEO Fernando Carro, captain Lukas Hradecky and Leverkusen’s Pokal ambassador Michael Ballack together with representatives of FC Kaiserslautern talked about the sporting highlight for both finalists rounding off an eventful season for both clubs.
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