Bayer Leverkusen returned to training on Friday morning but they were without Patrik Schick and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Both were expected to be at the start of training but other reasons permitted them.
Schick was present at the Leverkusen training complex but was working on his fitness due to a groin complaint whilst Hudson-Odoi is reportedly still in England. The 22-year-old reportedly had private matters to attend to in England. Chelsea has a clause in the loan agreement that they can recall Hudson-Oodi from his loan, but that expires before Christmas. Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Joshua Eze were also both absent with injuries.
A positive for Leverkusen is that Florian Wirtz has now fully recovered from his cruciate ligament injury and was reported as one of the bright sparks of the training session. Wirtz’s last game for Leverkusen was in March against 1. FC Köln.
Sardar Azmoun is expected to return soon as Iran were knocked out at the group stage of the World Cup.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
