Bayer Leverkusen can once again call on attacker Patrik Schick for the clash with second-placed RB Leipzig. "Patrik is ready," said coach Kasper Hjulmand ahead of the clash with Schick's former club on Saturday evening (18:30/Sky).
Ernest Poku will not be available. The Dutch U-21 international had to be substituted in the derby against 1. FC Köln due to thigh problems. However, he is expected to return in the new year, according to his coach.
However, loan player Claudio Echeverri will leave the Werkself. "We have a decision with Manchester City that he will return. That's why he's not in the squad," said the Danish coach about the imminent end of the midfielder's loan. "He is a young and good player, but we have a lot of players in that position," the coach emphasized.
Africa Cup weakens the Werkself
Defender Jarell Quansah, who is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card, will also be missing against Leipzig. In addition, four professionals are away at the Africa Cup with their national teams: Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) and Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco). However, Christian Kofane (Cameroon) will not travel to the tournament until after the game on Saturday evening and would therefore still be ready for action.
With a win, Bayer 04 could draw level with Leipzig on points. "We're going to Leipzig to start the new year at the top of the table and want to seal that with our performance in the game," said Hjulmand, referring at the same time to the home strength of the Saxons, who have won all six of their Bundesliga home games so far. "We want to reward ourselves with three points to give ourselves an even better Christmas."
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