Overview

• 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.