Bayer Leverkusen to play without 5 players early 2024

Admin I Friday, Nov. 10, 2023

LEVERKUSEN – Bayer Leverkusen could be without five players next year in the months of January and February.

Bayer Leverkusen could be without five players next year in the months of January and February due to the Africa Cup of Nations and coach Xabi Alonso is concerned with the possibility.

“It’s a big concern for January and February to maybe be without five players.

“It’s a reality, we have to accept it,” Alonso said on Friday, a day after the 1-0 win over Qarabag in the Europa League.

He said he’s happy for the players, but, for him as a coach, the potential absences represent a major weakening.

Winger Nathan Tella has been called up by Nigeria for the first time for the upcoming international break this month, while forward Victor Boniface (Nigeria), defenders Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) and Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast), and winger Amine Adli (Morocco) are also potential Africa Cup of Nations participants.

Boniface, Tapsoba and Kossounou are regular starters in Alonso’s line-up.

The Africa Cup of Nations start on January 13 – one day after the resumption of the Bundesliga following the winter break – and runs until February 11.