After the 1:1 in Berlin, Bayer 04 Leverkusen were pleased with a point of morale due to eight retirements. Captain Lukas Hradecky believes the sporting “dip” has been overcome. Meanwhile, there is much to suggest that young star Florian Wirtz, like Chilean Charles Aranguiz, will take an international break
Fosu-Mensah, Bakker, Aranguiz, Baumgartlinger, Bellarabi, Wirtz, Alario and Schick – what almost reads like a complete and extremely respectable starting eleven was the list of absentees Bayer 04 had to lament in the 1-1 draw in Berlin. This shortage of personnel, the extremely poor pitch conditions, two 16-year-olds who had to be used and the last-minute equaliser ensured, however, that the Leverkusen delegation came to a thoroughly positive conclusion.
Whether, despite the fourth winless league game in a row with a total of just two points for the Werkself, Leverkusen’s slump is a thing of the past, as captain Lukas Hradecky suspects (“The slump is over now, I think”) remains to be seen, however.
Hope with Schick and Bellarabi
The prerequisite for Hradecky’s thesis to be confirmed would be the return of several key players after the international break. Of those who have been out for a while, Gerardo Seoane sees two attackers as the closest to a comeback. “With Patrik Schick and Karim Bellarabi, we have hope that it will soon be back towards team training,” the coach explained.
Aranguiz cures Achilles tendon problems in Leverkusen
For Charles Aranguiz, who has been plagued with a muscle tendon injury in his calf since mid-October at his chronic weak spot Achilles tendon, this is not expected until the next matchday. Which at least gives some hope: After Schick (torn ligament in ankle) and Lucas Alario (muscular problems in calf), the Chilean will now also not travel to the international matches of his home country, but will push ahead with his rehab in Leverkusen.
A similar decision is likely to be made in the case of Florian Wirtz. The young star, who has been struggling with groin and hip problems for some time, was forced to miss Sunday’s game against Hertha BSC after taking a knock on his hip in Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League defeat to Real Betis Sevilla.
There will be an exchange between our officials and the medical department and the national team and then a decision will be made.
Now the 18-year-old is to recuperate instead of playing for Germany. That, at least, is the position of his club. “There will be an exchange between our officials and the medical department and the national team and then a decision will be made, “ Seoane explained after the game – with the hope that it will be “for the good of the player”. Which can only mean a real break for Wirtz during the international break.
