VfL Bochum Faces Bayer Leverkusen with Key Players Missing on Both Sides

As Bochum battles relegation and Leverkusen chases Bayern in the title race, injuries and international fatigue shape the stakes for Friday's Bundesliga clash.

• VfL Bochum coach Dieter Hecking will have all four returning international players available, but Koji Miyoshi and Bernardo are sidelined with injuries.
• Bayer Leverkusen faces significant setbacks with six key players, including Florian Wirtz and Edmond Tapsoba, ruled out due to injuries.
• Twelve Leverkusen players participated in international matches, with Piero Hincapie and Exequiel Palacios returning late from South America, potentially affecting their readiness.
• Dieter Hecking's contract will be extended by two years if Bochum avoids relegation, reflecting the club's confidence in his leadership.
• Bochum, currently in the relegation playoff position with 20 points, aims to secure vital points against a Leverkusen side fighting to close a six-point gap with Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

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