Ahead of the cup match against KSC, Leverkusen coach Gerardo Seoane is also worried about the absence of centre-forward Patrik Schick and his back-up Lucas Alario.
There is a shortage in the centre of attack – but only in terms of the supply of fit specialists. Because on Wednesday in the DFB Cup match against KSC, after Patrik Schick, who suffered a torn ligament in his ankle in Cologne on Sunday, his deputy Lucas Alario is also in danger of being out.
“Lucas had a few complaints after the Sevilla game. They haven’t subsided yet,” explained Gerardo Seoane on Tuesday, “that’s why he trained individually on Monday and also played certain parts individually today. “
A status that should normally ensure Alario is out against the second-division club on Wednesday. The Werkself coach, however, leaves a call-up for the Argentina international completely open. “I wouldn’t make a prediction. I assume that he will be available. If not, I will have to weigh it up this afternoon or tomorrow morning in the next session with the physios. “
Tricky decision for Seoane
If there is no absolute no from the medical department, the decision for Seoane is a tricky one in any case. After all, there is the risk of a serious injury, as Alario’s muscles are causing him discomfort due to his recurring knee problems.
Seoane explains: “When someone has a weaker knee, it always accompanies him. You can often control this problem, but there is often hardening in the neighbouring muscles. It’s more things like that that cause problems after strains.”
Of course, Bayer needs an Alario-brand penalty area striker against KSC. However, this also applies to the following games against Wolfsburg, Sevilla and Hertha BSC. Seoane makes no secret of this when he says: “It’s clear: After Patrik’s injury, we have to weigh up this personnel matter with caution because we will always need Lucas in the four games until the international break. “
Will Paulinho move into the centre of attack? Or will a 16-year-old help?
If Bayer also have to do without Alario, attacking player Paulinho could take the position in the centre of attack, as the Brazilian did at Dortmund on matchday 34 of pre-season.
In case Paulinho’s agility does not have the desired effect against Karlsruhe’s big centre-backs, Seoane already has an alternative more than in mind. In that case, 16-year-old U-19 centre-forward Iker Bravo could come into play, as Emre Gedikli (ankle injury) is also still missing.
Iker Bravo, the Spanish U-17 international striker who arrived from FC Barcelona in the summer, could thus play in a professional match for the first time on Wednesday. Seoane confirms: “We are playing with the idea of including Iker Bravo in the squad. He also trained with the team today. That’s certainly a possibility, but first I have to have a clear diagnosis” regarding Alario.
“Now he is slowly starting to get into shape. “
GERARDO SEOANE ON LUCAS ALARIO
Seoane thinks highly of Alario’s qualities (“That’s why we kept him in the summer”), even if the Gaucho hasn’t been allowed to start that often so far: “You mustn’t forget: Lucas had a hell of a summer with two injuries. He hasn’t really got going yet, which is why he hasn’t had the playing time he wanted. Now he’s slowly starting to get into shape.”
This upward trend of Alario’s is essential for Bayer and Seoane in the coming weeks – and therefore must not be slowed down by taking too many risks against KSC. Conversely, Bayer must avoid another setback after the 1:5 against Bayern and the squandered two-goal lead in the 2:2 in Cologne.