In Leverkusen, Germany, Bayer Leverkusen faces a significant setback as their key player, Florian Wirtz, will be sidelined for several weeks due to an ankle ligament injury. This development further challenges the team’s already difficult German title defense.
The 21-year-old midfielder sustained the injury during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Werder Bremen. As a consequence, Wirtz will miss the upcoming crucial second-leg match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 set for Tuesday. Bayern Munich had previously secured a 3-0 lead in the first leg.
Simon Rolfes, the sporting director, commented on the impact of Wirtz’s right ankle injury, acknowledging its significance to the team. However, he expressed confidence that Wirtz would make a return before the season concludes.
“We have full confidence in Florian, and we know that he will be back on the field as soon as he’s able,” Rolfes mentioned in a statement. “We anticipate his full recovery in time for the season’s final stages.”
Adding to the current challenges, there’s uncertainty regarding Wirtz’s long-term association with the club. Despite ongoing negotiations, an agreement on extending Wirtz’s contract, which currently runs until 2027, has yet to be finalized.
Leverkusen now finds itself eight points behind Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga standings. The defeat against Bremen was a missed opportunity for Xabi Alonso’s side to close the gap on Bayern’s lead.
