Overview
- Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann left the 19-cap midfielder out of the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
- Kasper Hjulmand praised Robert Andrich as very important to Bayer and said he remains captain when selected, voicing hope for his national-team recall.
- Andrich missed the 1–0 Champions League win at Benfica through suspension, with 19-year-old Ibrahim Maza starting at the six and earning Man of the Match.
- Aleix Garcia is seen as the likely starter in the midfield unit, and teammates underscored the rotation after Maza's strong showing in Lisbon.
- Leverkusen host last-place Heidenheim on Saturday to close a seven-match, three-week stretch, with Hjulmand aiming to finish the run with a win.