Exequiel Palacios fit enough to be included in Bayer Leverkusen’s matchday squad to face Hoffenheim

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that midfielder Exequiel Palacios is fit enough to be included in the matchday squad to face Hoffenheim on Saturday.

The Argentine has missed the opening games of the season as he recovered from meniscus surgery following an injury he suffered when at the Copa America. On Palacios, Alonso said: 

“He is ready to play. We used the international break to allow him to train with the team again. He has made good progress. We will decide after training, but it is very, very good news that Pala is back with the team.”

Palacios’ absence has meant that Leverkusen have experimented with both Robert Andrich and Aleix Garcia partnering Granit Xhaka in the midfield both with varying success. Andrich is expected to be the play to partner Xhaka in midfield this weekend. 

Jeremie Frimpong is likely to start from the bench as spent most of the week training alone due to personal reasons and has only recently returned to team training. The 23 year old will be replaced by Nathan Tella in the right-wing back position. Elsewhere in defence, Nordi Mukiele is also expected to make his debut and will likely replace Piero Hincapié or Edmond Tapsoba in Leverkusen’s back three. 

Later next week, Leverkusen also begin their Champions League campaign away against Feyenoord which suggests why certain players will be rested on Saturday.

GGFN | Jack Meenan