Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is hoping for midfielder Kerem Demirbay to return for the important Champions League game against Club Brugge. “Kerem trained today so we hope he’ll be there and ready,” said the Spain coach.
On the other hand, Alonso still has to do without offensive man Karim Bellarabi and Charles Aranguiz, who has a calf injury. Center forward Patrik Schick, who was previously injured, could make his comeback in the starting XI after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at RB Leipzig on Saturday. “He’s feeling a bit better today,” said Alonso. He wasn’t completely fit. If he’s fully fit tomorrow, he’ll play tomorrow.”
Leverkusen is playing against Bruges this Tuesday (6.45 p.m. / DAZN) for third place and thus for participation in the intermediate round of the Europa League. In order to achieve this, Leverkusen have to score more points against the Belgians, who have already qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League, than Atlético Madrid in the parallel game at FC Porto.
Expected Lineups:
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky – Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba – Frimpong, Amiri, Andrich, Bakker – Diaby, Hudson-Odoi – Schick
FC Brügge: Mignolet – Buchanan, Boyata, Mechele, Meijer – C. Nielsen, Balanta – Skov Olsen, Vanaken, Sowah – Jutgla
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
