Florian Wirtz’ return to football isn’t that far away – Xabi Alonso

Yet to make an appearance this season, Florian Wirtz recently returned to training and his comeback at Bayer Leverkusen is edging closer. Speaking ahead of B04’s game against RB Leipzig, Xabi Alonso discussed not wanting to rush Wirtz back but him potentially making Germany’s World Cup squad.

“We have to be patient with Florian because it was a serious injury,” said Alonso, who’s looking forward to the 19-year-old’s return. “I can’t wait for him to be there but the most important thing is that he has a good mentality and worked very well to be there.”

On Wirtz’ return, Alonso added: “I don’t think it’s that far away. He’ll be there sooner rather than later but I don’t have a schedule in mind. He’s already with the team and can train with them but we still need a bit more time.”

Wirtz has been included in Hansi Flick’s reported provisional World Cup squad and Alonso won’t put any obstacles in the way should he make the final squad. “If Florian is there, we won’t stop him,” said Alonso. “But we have to be sure that it’s the right moment. We won’t push it but when he’s in, he’s in.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

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