Leverkusen Team News - Soccer

Alex Grimaldo - Efficient in service Grimaldo had five crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Mainz.

Impact He didn't get an assist, but Grimaldo was stellar in his efforts to put in good balls for teammates and kept the Leverkusen attack going despite an early setback. He should have better production results if he maintains this efficiency against Hamburger SV. The side has allowed 32 goals in Bundesliga play through 22 games.

15 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Struggles in service Maza had two shots (zero on goal) and five crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Mainz.

Impact Maza provided a flurry of service as Leverkusen searched for an equalizer but none of his crosses were considered accurate. He will need to be better to see more playing time against Hamburger SV, but that's a more favorable matchup with the side having allowed 32 goals in Bundesliga play through Saturday's games.

16 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Patrik Schick - Fails to score Schick recorded four shots (two on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Mainz.

Impact The star forward did have some good shots on goal but failed to break through Mainz's defense in the 1-1 draw. He has a better chance of scoring against Hamburger SV, as the team has given up 32 goals across 22 domestic games.

16 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Scores late equalizer Quansah scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Mainz.

Impact The defender managed to find the back of the net late to give Leverkusen a point from the game. He has a good chance to find a hole to exploit offensively in the next match against Hamburger SV, as the side has allowed 32 goals through 22 league games.

16 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Janis Blaswich - Responds after giving up goal Blaswich made three saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Mainz.

Impact Blaswich gave up an early goal, but recovered nicely from it to shut out Mainz in the second half and give Leverkusen a shot at getting points. He should have an easier time fending off Hamburger SV, a side which has only scored 25 goals through 22 Bundesliga games.

16 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Arthur - Forced off Arthur was forced off just before halftime in Saturday's clash against Mainz due to an apparent injury, the club announced.

Impact Arthur was forced off in the 45th minute of Saturday's clash against Mainz due to an apparent injury and was replaced by Axel Tape. The right wing-back will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue. Jonas Hofmann is likely to see increased minutes if his absence is confirmed, especially with Lucas Vazquez also sidelined for several weeks.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Out to face Mainz Tillman (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Mainz.

Impact Tillman is out for Saturday's matchup with Mainz after failing to recover in time from the ankle knock he suffered against Union Berlin. Despite some initial optimism he is not included in the squad for the weekend. His absence opens the door for Jonas Hofmann to take on a bigger role in the attacking line while he is out.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Back on bench Maza (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Mainz.

Impact Maza is back on the bench Saturday against Mainz after exiting midweek against Olympiacos with a thigh issue that turned out to be minor. While he does not regain his starting role, he is available as an option in attacking midfield and could feature later in the game depending on how it unfolds.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Unlikely against Mainz Tillman (ankle) is dealing with a minor issue but is unlikely to play in Saturday's clash against Mainz, coach Kasper Hjulmand said in the press conference.

Impact Tillman picked up an ankle knock against Union Berlin in the last Bundesliga game and is trending toward missing Saturday's matchup with Mainz. That said, coach Kasper Hjulmand did not completely shut the door on him, so the American still has an outside shot at making the squad. Even if he is cleared, he is not expected to be thrown straight back into the starting XI as the staff looks to avoid any setback, which could clear the runway for Jonas Hofmann to take on a bigger role in the attacking line.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Should be available Saturday Maza (thigh) should be an option for Saturday's clash against Mainz, coach Kasper Hjulmand said in the press conference.

Impact Maza was forced off midweek against Olympiacos with a thigh issue, but it turned out to be minor and he is now pushing to be in the mix for Saturday's showdown with Mainz. That is a big lift for the Werkself, as Maza has been a locked-in starter in attacking midfield and his availability would stabilize the frontline and keep their creative engine intact. If he does not make the squad, Ernest Poku is in line for an expanded role and would be set to log heavier minutes.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lucas Vazquez - Set to miss several weeks Vazquez (calf) is set to miss several weeks after suffering an injury in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Olympiacos, the club announced.

Impact Vazquez picked up a calf injury in Tuesday's draw against the Greeks and is now expected to spend several weeks on the shelf while he rehabs the issue. It is another tough break for the Werkself as Vazquez already missed a significant chunk of the season through injury and now faces another extended spell on the sidelines. With the Spaniard out, the door swings open for Arthur and Jonas Hofmann to step into bigger roles and log more minutes moving forward.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Edmond Tapsoba - Fourteen clearances in draw Tapsoba recorded three tackles (three won), 14 clearances and one interception in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Olympiacos.

Impact Tapsoba played a major role in locking down the clean sheet, putting on a clinic in box defending with three tackles, two blocks and a season high 14 clearances. He stayed calm under constant aerial pressure and came up big in the closing minutes, repeatedly clearing his lines as the visitors pushed numbers forward and tried to turn the match into chaos. His rock solid defensive performance anchored the back line and helped the Werkself see out the result and punch their ticket to the next round of the Champions League.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alex Grimaldo - Brillant performance in tie Grimaldo recorded two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 0-0 draw versus Olympiacos.

Impact Grimaldo was a nonstop weapon down the left flank and came inches from finding the net around the hour mark, ripping a vicious left-footed strike from a tight angle that thundered off the crossbar. He also whipped in the service for Patrik Schick's early headed look and kept Olympiacos under siege with relentless set-piece pressure. Grimaldo stuffed the stat sheet with five shots, five tackles (four won) and a season-high three interceptions, capping off a dominant two-way performance with the MVP trophy.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Patrik Schick - Three shots in draw Schick had three shots (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Olympiacos.

Impact Schick was aggressive from the jump, nearly striking in the fourth minute with a header that drifted just wide before ripping a left-footed shot from distance two minutes later that missed the frame. His clearest look came deep in stoppage time, but his left-footed attempt from the heart of the box slid inches past the post. He didn't add to his first-leg brace, but Leverkusen never needed fireworks to close this one out and punch their ticket to the next round. Schick now owns four goals and one assist in eight Champions League appearances, further cementing his elite European form for the Werkself.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Janis Blaswich - Clean sheet secures qualification Blaswich had one save and allowed zero goals in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Olympiacos.

Impact Blaswich pitched the shutout that sealed Leverkusen's 2-0 aggregate victory and punched their ticket to the next round, coming up with a key late save once Olympiacos started to build real momentum and apply pressure. He stayed sharp on his line and controlled the box when it mattered most, helping his side ride out the late surge without cracking. With five clean sheets in his last nine appearances across all competitions, he's making a serious case to keep the gloves even once Mark Flekken (knee) is cleared to return, setting up a legitimate debate over who owns the number one spot moving forward.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Forced off midweek Maza was forced to exit Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Olympiacos after picking up a thigh discomfort, Le Fussball reports.

Impact Maza had a quiet outing against the Greek team before leaving his place on the pitch to Ernest Poku. The 20-year-old could now be dealing with a muscle issue, the extent of which remains unknown. He has made four consecutive starts in an attacking midfield role, though failing to score or assist in that span.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lucas Vazquez - Leaves with injury in UCL game Vazquez left Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Olympiacos due to an undisclosed injury, Le Fussball reports.

Impact Vazquez could miss upcoming league action if he's dealing with a muscular issue, having already been sidelined for several weeks earlier in the season. His participation is currently in doubt, but a potential absence would reduce the squad's right wing-back options to Arthur and Jonas Hofmann.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Remains out Tillman (ankle) is out for Tuesday's match against Olympiacos.

Impact Tillman was already unlikely to play Tuesday and has not made the call, appearing to have failed his testing ahead of the contest. Unfortunately for the club, this isa rough loss, starting in three of their past five outings. Jonas Hofmann sees the start in his place, his first start in three appearances.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Unlikely to play Tuesday Tillman (ankle) is unlikely to play but will be evaluated after the final training session to determine whether he will be fit for Tuesday's return leg against Olympiakos in the Ch...

Impact Tillman is unlikely to feature due to an ankle issue but will be assessed after the final training session to determine his availability for Tuesday's return leg against Olympiakos in the Champions League. The attacking midfielder remains a locked-in starter, and his potential absence could be significant given he has scored six goals across 26 appearances in all competitions this season. Ernest Poku is likely to take on a larger role if Tillman is unable to play.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mark Flekken - Out at least four weeks Flekken is out for at least four weeks due to a knee injury, according to Bild.

Impact Flekken is set to miss the next four weeks due to the knee injury he sustained last month. The goalkeeper had been a locked-in starter prior to his setback, but recent performances from Janis Blaswich could create uncertainty in the pecking order, making a rushed return unlikely.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Doutbful against Olympiacos Tillman (ankle) is a doubt for Tuesday's clash against Olympiacos in the Champions League, according to BILD.

Impact Tillman picked up an ankle knock in a challenge with Stanley Nsoki during Saturday's 1-0 loss to Union Berlin and is now a doubt for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Olympiacos. The midfielder is trending toward a late fitness test, and the club will be pushing to get him ready given his status as a regular starter for the Werkself. If he's unable to suit up, Ernest Poku would be in line for an expanded role up top.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Two crosses in loss Tillman registered one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Union Berlin.

Impact Tillman recorded two crosses with a shot during Saturday's loss to Union Berlin. He's remained a starter since returning from injury, earning 10 starts in the last 13 appearances, collecting two goals with 16 shots, 18 chances created and 16 tackles in that span.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alex Grimaldo - Solid effort Grimaldo generated three shots (zero on goal), 10 crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Union Berlin.

Impact Grimaldo put up 10 crosses with three shots during the loss to Union Berlin on Saturday. He's collected one goal and assist in the last seven league appearances, totaling 33 crosses and 11 tackles in that span, with five goals and assist on the season.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Janis Blaswich - Three saves in win Blaswich had three saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 1-0 loss versus Union Berlin.

Impact Blaswich allowed just a goal with three saves during the loss to Union Berlin on Saturday. Since taken over for the injured Mark Flekken, he has allowed just three goals with 17 saves, keeping two clean sheets in six league appearances. The keeper will face off with Olympiacos in the UCL second league clash on Tuesday, who have scored five goals in the last five appearances.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Loic Bade - Out a few weeks Bade is out for the next few weeks due to a thigh injury, according to his club.

Impact Bade will not be an option for the next three to four weeks, as the defender is suffering from a thigh injury. This is a rough loss for the club, as he started in their last outing and has started in 16 of their 19 league games this season. This will leave the club to have Edmond Tapsoba and Jarell Quansah to start in the defense, with Axel Tape as the next man up moving forward.

FEBRUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

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