Bayer 04 changed the format of the return to training at short notice. On the recommendation of the DFL, all members of the senior squad completed a PCR test in the morning. That did not include Piero Hincapie as he tested positive for Covid-19 over Christmas. The defender from Ecuador was absent as was long-term injury Julian Baumgartlinger.
The coaching staff had 16 outfield players and four goalkeepers to work with. Lennart Grill is back on the pitch in Leverkusen after a period on loan at Brann Bergen. The 22-year-old made 13 appearances for the Norwegian top-flight club and, with only three defeats, they successfully reached the play-offs. However, Brann Bergen lost 8-7 on penalties to FK Jerv in a dramatic decider in the middle of December.
The next full training session is on Thursday. The coaching staff are hoping one or two other players may return. Due to the differing travelling demands, a number of squad members worked on their own at the BayArena on the first day of the run-in.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04’s 3-0 win against SV 07 Elversberg in the 2nd round of the 2024/25 DFB Pokal…
The Werkself are away to Union Berlin on Bundesliga Matchday 12. The game is on Saturday, 30 November, at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei with the kick-off at 15.30 CET. Here is the latest ticket information for the game.
Show moreBayer 04’s focus has quickly turned to their next game as they prepare to host Elversberg in the second round of the DFB Pokal on Tuesday (kick-off: 6pm CET). Ahead of the match, head coach Xabi Alonso spoke about the special nature of the cup, the last time the Werkself faced the now Bundesliga 2 side and the attributes needed for a successful evening at the BayArena.
Show moreElversberg is far from a new name for Bayer 04 fans in the DFB Pokal. It was only two years ago when the then 3. Liga side knocked the Werkself out of the competition in the first round. Now they come to the BayArena for a second-round encounter as a Bundesliga 2 club on Tuesday (kick-off: 6pm CET). Here’s all you need to know about our next opponents.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have a new sleeve sponsor for their fixtures in the DFB Pokal, with Bayer brand Talcid set to feature on the holders’ shirts for the 2024/25 campaign. The team will play with the new sponsor for the first time in Tuesday’s second-round match at home to Elversberg.
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