Bayer 04 had to play Hertha BSC without eight players on Sunday. And even after the international break, the personnel situation will probably only relax to a manageable extent.
The groin problems of Florian Wirtz, which have already troubled the international at the beginning of the season, remain a delicate case. Nevertheless, the idea generator and enforcer should be fit for action next week on Saturday against VfL Bochum.
As should Lucas Alario, who has been hampered by muscular problems in his calf for some time. “We’ll take Lucas out completely this week. That he joins team training at the beginning of next week is the goal,” said coach Gerardo Seoane.
The centre-forward and Wirtz are considered relatively safe returnees. But that was it for the really good news. With a trio, it’s going to be a close call at the very least: Goalkeeper Patrik Schick (torn ligament in and bruised ankle), winger Karim Bellarabi (torn muscle fibre in his thigh) and sixth man Charles Aranguiz (muscle tendon injury in his calf) are shaky candidates at best.
Seoane “can’t give a prognosis “
“Schick and Bellarabi might be able to start training on the pitch next week. If all goes well, also join team training at the end. Also Charles Aranguiz – I see the three of them at the same status,” explains Seoane. However, the coach also adds: “The question is whether to take a risk in the first game or to wait and see. I can’t make a prediction yet.” It will be a race against time.
It is extremely unlikely, however, that the Swiss will have these five recently injured players available again against the promoted team. Because even if things go well, the ideal set-up is missing. “It’s not like everyone will be there and fit for action against Bochum. That’s not possible,” explains the 43-year-old. “You can’t be out for three weeks, do two trainings and say: here I am again. “
Treegartliner, Fosu-Mensah, Bakker
Definitely out will be another trio: six-man Julian Baumgartlinger (knee surgery) is working in rehab and is expected to return in January. Right-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been allowed to play more intensively again since Tuesday after tearing his cruciate ligament, but is still a long way from a comeback. “He is allowed to put more strain on it now. We are starting with duels. We have to be careful with him after his second cruciate ligament rupture. He needs a few more weeks,” Seoane said, putting the brakes on expectations.
And patience is also needed with left-back Mitchel Bakker (bone oedema in the ankle). “It’s dragging on a bit longer with him. If he starts too early, it can take quite a long time,” Seoane cites a danger of starting too early. The Dutchman will be completely rested for a total of about three weeks, “after that the healing process is very type-dependent,” says his coach.
According to Seoane, the comeback could then take place after one or even after another three weeks. Seoane and Bayer have not yet left the personnel bottleneck behind them.
