Leverkusen coach reveals Tella's potential date of return after withdrawal from Nigeria's WCQs squad
Published: March 31, 2025
Bayern Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has expressed optimism over Nigerian forward Nathan Tella’s return from injury ahead of their DFB Pokal clash against Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday evening.
Tella sustained a muscular injury after Leverkusen’s 2-0 defeat to Werder Bremen at the Weser Stadium before the international break.
As a result, he was withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Since picking up the injury, the 25-year-old has missed two Bundesliga fixtures against VfB Stuttgart and VfL Bochum.
However, he has now recovered and is in contention to return to action in the cup competition.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Alonso provided an update on Tella’s fitness, stating that the forward is likely to feature if there are no setbacks in training.
"He feels a lot better. If there’s no problems in training now, then he’ll be involved,” the former Liverpool midfielder said.
While Tella appears close to making his return, Alonso confirmed that defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Florian Wirtz are not yet ready to feature.
“The game comes too early for Edmond Tapsoba and Florian Wirtz,” he added.
Before his injury setback, Tella had been an important player for Leverkusen, contributing four goals and three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
His return would provide a significant boost for Alonso’s side as they continue their push to retain both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal Cup.
Adeyemi Adewale
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Nigerian fullback-turned-goalkeeper training with Scottish club after trials with Nottingham Forest, Stoke
- No action for Dele-Bashiru: Super Eagles star benched amid fitness fears as Lazio beat Genoa
- 'Felt tired' - Al-Wehda coach explains why big-game player Ighalo watched from bench in loss to Al-Ahli
- 'Very important name' – Galatasaray eye veteran star who could make fans forget Man Utd-linked Osimhen
- West Brom expected to part ways with 41-cap Nigeria international with Arsenal ties this summer
- Omar Sowunmi: CB who wants to play for Nigeria joins Leeds, Blackburn stars in EFL Easter XI
- Three big reasons Nigeria's Flying Eagles are tipped to reach the U20 Afcon semifinals
- 'They wanted me to be next Shearer'- Obafemi Martins on carrying the No.9 legacy at Newcastle
- Arokodare threat: Former striker sounds the alarm ahead of Antwerp v Racing Genk showdown
- 'Not just goals' - Valencia sporting director highlights Sadiq is delivering on all fronts


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88