Leverkusen coach reveals Tella's potential date of return after withdrawal from Nigeria's WCQs squad

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As a result, he was withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.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

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