Lately, Leverkusen have had to do without Edmond Tapsoba. While the Burkina Faso international could make his comeback in Ethiopia on Tuesday, his Piero Hincapie is returning early from South America
When Jeremie Frimpong’s training injury was announced for the Dutch national team on Thursday, some people in Leverkusen had to swallow hard. The absence of the right-back would have meant an immense weakening, as well as the second loss in the back five after Edmond Tapsoba, who had to undergo surgery after suffering a metacarpal injury in the DFB Cup at SV Sandhausen (5:2)
However, now that Frimpong has been given the all-clear, Xabi Alonso’s feared shortage is once again turning into his beloved agony of choice. Both Frimpong, who only has a slight hip problem, and Tapsoba could be available again for the coach in Bremen on Saturday
The Burkina Faso man, who traveled to the national team despite his operation, may make his comeback in the World Cup qualifier in Ethiopia on Tuesday. Bayer are counting on him against Werder.
Ideally, Leverkusen’s coach will be able to rely on his standard Bundesliga squad of Frimpong and Tapsoba, which he has used almost 100% of the time since the start of the season and has changed less than any Bundesliga coach since 1978.
Hincapie’s international trip less grueling
And the practical selection increases once again, as Piero Hincapie’s international trip with Ecuador is less strenuous than originally planned. The left-back picked up a yellow card in the 0-0 draw in Venezuela and will miss Wednesday morning’s World Cup qualifier against Chile.
This means that Tapsoba’s rival for the left-back position in the back three can return to Leverkusen ahead of schedule and will be in a much fresher condition than expected on Saturday. The battle for places, which keeps the pressure and tension high for everyone involved and is an important success factor, is therefore likely to remain fully intact for Xabi Alonso.
