The muscle injury to Exequiel Palacios adds another important player to Bayer 04’s list of absentees. This has consequences for one of the Argentine’s team-mates
It’s obvious that the absence of Exequiel Palacios has significantly exacerbated the personnel situation at Bayer 04. With the six-man sidelined until well into February after suffering a muscle injury in his thigh in the 3-2 win in Leipzig, the number of players missing for Saturday’s game against Gladbach is likely to rise to seven.
In addition to the Argentine world champion, coach Xabi Alonso will also be without the injured Victor Boniface and Arthur. He will also be without the suspended defender Jonathan Tah. They will also be without Edmond Tapsoba, Amine Adli and Odilon Kossounou (all at the Africa Cup), although the tournament could already be over for the latter after the 4-0 defeat by hosts Ivory Coast against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday.
No new six-man coming
Of course, the shortage is a problem against Gladbach. But what are the long-term consequences for Bayer of the absence of Palacios, who could also miss the whole of February?
None on the transfer market – at least as far as new players are concerned. Leverkusen will not sign a new six-man after Palacios’ departure in January. There are several good arguments for this. For one thing, Robert Andrich has been waiting for a permanent chance in the starting eleven since the start of the season, where Palacios and the equally outstanding Granit Xhaka have so far been absolutely set
Amiri must probably stay
To bring in a replacement now would be a slap in the face for the German international. On the other hand, the squad still offers alternatives suitable for the Bundesliga: Firstly, Gustavo Puerta (20), who is considered a hot candidate for the spot next to Xhaka against Gladbach, as Andrich is needed as a defensive leader in place of Tah. The other is Noah Mbamba (19). In addition, Nadiem Amiri (27), who is usually deployed more offensively under Xabi Alonso, has already proven his suitability in the double-six.
So there is no threat of an absolute shortage. And a replacement at Palacios’ level would hardly be financially viable or available anyway. However, the loss of Palacios will have an impact on the departures side. For example, the chances of Amiri, whose contract expires in the summer, being allowed to leave the club in the winter have been massively reduced
In principle, Amiri would already move to a club in January where he would have more opportunities. This opportunity would have arisen, at least in principle, with the continued aim of signing a striker who would be an immediate help. Had it not been for Palacios’ injury, Bayer might have agreed to a premature departure.
Now Amiri has to stay so that the player pool does not become too thin. This applies even if a new striker arrives. Unless Bayer also add a (prospective) player for the attacking positions behind the nine