Leverkusen Team News - Soccer

Jarell Quansah - Handed two-match suspension Quansah received a two-match suspension from FIFA following his red card in England's World Cup victory over Mexico, according to Rob Harris from SkyNews.

Impact Quansah was initially expected to miss only the quarterfinal clash against Norway after being sent off for a late challenge in Sunday's 3-2 win. However, FIFA has extended the punishment to two matches, meaning the defender will also be unavailable for a potential semifinal should England advance. The suspension further complicates England's options at right-back, where injuries have already sidelined Reece James and Djed Spence during parts of the tournament. Quansah will now have to wait until a possible final to feature again at the World Cup.

18 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Scores another free kick Monday Tillman scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 4-1 defeat against Belgium. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 69th minute.

Impact Tillman produced his side's only goal of the match through a deflected free-kick shot which leveled the scoring in the 31st minute. The midfielder finished the tournament in good form, tallying two goals in the knockout phase and adding to his lone assist across five appearances (four starts). Other than his set-piece upside, he enjoyed some freedom to attack from a central spot throughout the competition.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Sent off in round of 16 win Quansah was shown a straight red card during Sunday's 3-2 win over Mexico.

Impact Quansah was chosen at right-back due to the injuries of Reece James (hamstring) and Djed Spence, but the Leverkusen man paid a high price for his late tackle in the 54th minute, leaving England with 10 men for the remainder of the match. He's now suspended for the quarter-final clash against Norway and may return to World Cup action if his side advance to the semifinals. This issue will worsen a difficult right-back situation for the Three Lions, though Spence could be back for the upcoming match. Otherwise, Declan Rice may be deployed in the defense while Quansah serves his ban.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Starting against Mexico Quansah (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's round of 16 clash against Mexico.

Impact Quansah returned to training in recent days after overcoming a slight ankle issue, and he benefited from the absences of Reece James (hamstring) and Djed Spence (undisclosed) to immediately get the nod at right-back. This selection means Declan Rice will remain in midfield, and Quansah will likely focus on defensive duties while possibly delivering a few crosses from the right flank.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ben Bobzien - Returning to B04 after loan Bobzien has returned to Leverkusen from a season-long loan deal at Dynamo Dresden.

Impact Bobzien was limited to just 15 outings in the 2. Bundesliga with Dresden, but he was productive and finished with nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) in under 1,200 minutes of action. Bobzien might not be ready to play regularly at Leverkusen in the 2026/27 campaign, so another loan in the summer can't be ruled out.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Noah Mbamba - Returning from loan Mbamba has returned to Leverkusen following his season-and-a-half loan spell at FCV Dender.

Impact Mbamba joined Dender on loan on Feb. 2, 2025, but the deal was further extended for the entire 2025/26 campaign before the end of the September transfer window. Mbamba made 37 appearances across all competitions for Dender in 2025/26, but another loan move might be on the cards for the promising 21-year-old midfielder just so he can keep playing regularly.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Farid Alfa-Ruprecht - Back from loan spell Alfa-Ruprecht has returned to Leverkusen after his season-long loan spell at Bochum.

Impact Alfa-Ruprecht saw regular playing time for Bochum and made 26 league appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, tallying three goals and two assists while logging over 1,200 minutes of play. Alfa-Ruprecht remains a prospect, and he's ready for a first-team role at Leverkusen yet, so another loan in 2026/27 can't be out of the question.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Back training, expected to be fit Quansah (ankle) has worked with the squad and is ready to be an option for Sunday's clash against Mexico, Henry Winter of World Soccer reports.

Impact Quansah was questionable heading into the round of 16 match, but he'll be hopeful to help the team at least as a substitute option. He made one start in the group stage, acting as a right-back in that game, so he could offer back to Djed Spence, especially if Reece James (hamstring) remains out in upcoming fixtures.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alejo Sarco - Back to Leverkusen Sarco has returned to Bayer Leverkusen after his loan at Borussia Monchengladbach expired.

Impact Sarco joined Gladbach in January on a loan without a buy option, arriving as a 20-year-old developmental prospect after limited first-team opportunities at Leverkusen, where his minutes had been restricted. His time at Gladbach was similarly light on chances, appearing mainly off the bench across the back half of the season as the club looked to add depth and energy up front. With the loan now expired, Sarco is back with Leverkusen for pre-season, where he'll again have to compete for minutes in a crowded attacking group, making a fresh loan elsewhere before the window closes a real possibility.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Availability still uncertain Quansah (ankle) has stepped up his recovery ahead of Sunday's round of 16 clash against Mexico, though it remains unclear whether he will be available for the fixture, according to...

Impact Quansah missed the win over DR Congo but has been progressing well, with coach Thomas Tuchel previously describing him as slightly ahead of Reece James in his recovery. His availability will be determined over the coming days as England's medical staff assess his readiness ahead of the Mexico clash. If Reece James (hamstring) and Quansah had to miss this clash again, Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence are the two likely options to start at right-back.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Three shots in 2-0 loss Maza registered three shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.

Impact Maza was unable to put any of his shots on target as Algeria lost 2-0 to Switzerland and were knocked out of the tournament. His best chance came in the final moments of the first half when he dragged his left-footed shot wide. He took three shots or more in the last three matches and put three of his 10 shots on target. He also created three chances in the two games before this, but didn't create any in this game.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Victor Boniface - Returns from loan, already training Boniface has returned to Bayer Leverkusen following the conclusion of his loan spell at Werder Bremen, with the club confirming he has already reported for training ahead of the 20...

Impact Boniface made 11 Bundesliga appearances for Bremen, contributing two assists across 325 minutes before a knee injury required surgery and effectively ended his loan campaign prematurely. The Nigerian striker now returns to Leverkusen having previously scored 22 goals and provided nine assists in 42 Bundesliga appearances for the club, and will look to put a difficult injury-disrupted season behind him as he pushes for a regular starting role under new coach Carles Martinez Novell heading into the new campaign.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Puts home free kick Tillman scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 2-0 win versus Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Tillman would step up to take a free kick in the 82nd minute Wednesday and would execute his chance at net with precision, scoring to go two up and put the game to bed. This gives the midfielder his first goal of the tournament, although it is not his first goal contribution, earning an assist in the opener. This is a good sign for the USMNT as they head into the round of 16 without their lead forward, Folarin Balogun, as it shows they have other goal scorers in the squad.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Recovery progressing well Quansah (ankle) is getting closer to a return and is slightly ahead of Reece James in his recovery, though he remains unavailable for Wednesday's round of 32 clash against DR Congo...

Impact Quansah's progression is an encouraging sign for England heading into the knockout stage, with coach Thomas Tuchel expressing confidence that both right-backs could be available should the Three Lions advance further in the tournament. Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence are the likeliest candidates to cover at right-back against DR Congo in his continued absence.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Won't face DR Congo Quansah (ankle) has been ruled out of England's round of 32 clash against DR Congo, according to Rob Dorsett, per SkySportsNews.

Impact Quansah's World Cup debut was cut short against Panama after twisting his ankle in the second half, and with Reece James also unavailable due to a hamstring injury, England face significant depth concerns at right-back heading into the knockout stage. Djed Spence is expected to start in his place, with Ezri Konsa shifting to right-back and John Stones partnering Marc Guehi in central defense among the alternatives coach Thomas Tuchel could consider.

JUNE 30 • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Takes three shots versus Austria Maza generated three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Austria.

Impact Maza co-led Algeria in shots during the draw that helped both teams advance to the World Cup's Round of 32. The midfielder also won the most duels (seven) for his side and logged an impressive six successful take-ons on offense. The started in all their three group stage games, but did not score or assist.

JUNE 29 • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Likely to miss DR Congo clash Quansah (ankle) is likely to miss England's round of 32 fixture against DR Congo on Wednesday, with sources believing the match could come too soon despite coach Thomas Tuchel's op...

Impact Quansah's World Cup debut was cut short against Panama after he twisted his ankle in the second half, and with Reece James (hamstring) also out, Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back against DR Congo on Wednesday. The alternative option would see Ezri Konsa shift to right-back with John Stones starting alongside Marc Guehi in central defense, leaving manager Tuchel with multiple contingencies to navigate England's deepening right-back concerns heading into the knockout stage.

JUNE 29 • ROTOWIRE

Exequiel Palacios - Logs five interceptions Palacios had four tackles (zero won), three clearances and five interceptions in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Jordan.

Impact Palacios delivered the outstanding defensive performance of Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan, registering five interceptions and four tackles across his 90 minutes as the right-back in Scaloni's rotated lineup, consistently cutting out Jordan's attempts to build through the flanks and limiting their attacking transitions throughout the match. The midfielder's five interceptions were the most of any player on the pitch from either side, and his versatility to operate at right-back with the defensive intensity he is known for from midfield makes him one of the most useful squad options Argentina carry into the knockout rounds.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Rolls ankle against Panama Quansah suffered a rolled ankle during the 2-0 win over Panama. According to manager Thomas Tuchel, he will be touch and go for the Round of 32 clash vs DR Congo, reports Craig Hop...

Impact Quansah's substitution in the 63rd minute stemmed from a minor ankle injury he picked up against Panama. The encouraging sign is that he was able to leave the stadium without assistance, but he is expected to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. His status could force adjustments to England's lineup if he is not fit to play, especially with Reece James already sidelined. This opens the door for either Djed Spence to step into the starting role or for Ezri Konsa to shift to right back with John Stones returning to the XI at center back.

JUNE 27 • ROTOWIRE

Jarell Quansah - Produces two clearances Quansah generated two clearances in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Panama. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 60th minute.

Impact Quansah played 63 minutes in the 2-0 win over Panama, contributing two clearances, eight progressive passes into the final third, and four recoveries in a composed performance. The right back only made his tournament debut on Saturday after not featuring in the first two matches, stepping in while Reece James remains sidelined with injury. Given how solid he looked against Panama and the continued uncertainty surrounding James' availability, Quansah has a realistic chance of keeping his place in the starting lineup for the Round of 32.

JUNE 27 • ROTOWIRE

Patrik Schick - Retires from NT duty Schick won't play for the Czech national team again after announcing his international retirement following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Impact Schick announced his retirement from international play after a lackluster showing in the World Cup, finishing with zero goals and only one start in the group stage. He'll focus in his club-level career from now on after a 2025/26 season in which he scored 16 goals in 28 Bundesliga outings for Leverkusen.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Montrell Culbreath - Signs extension with Leverkusen Culbreath signed a one-year contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen, extending his stay at the club through 2031, the club announced.

Impact Culbreath has made 16 appearances across all competitions for the first team, scoring one goal on his debut in the 3-1 victory at Leipzig in the 15th matchday of the Bundesliga. The 18-year-old winger joined Leverkusen from the Kaiserslautern under-17 side in the summer of 2023 and has shown encouraging progression that the club has chosen to reward with both the contract extension and a salary increase. Leverkusen, who finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season, view the young American as a player with significant potential and the extension reflects their confidence in his continued development at the club heading into the new campaign.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Patrik Schick - Doesn't start last game Schick recorded no stats in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat versus Mexico.

Impact Schick came off the bench in the 64th minute as coach Miroslav Koubek looked for a spark with Czechia trailing 2-0 and needing a win to keep its World Cup hopes alive. He was unable to provide the offensive boost his side needed, with Alvaro Fidalgo's stoppage-time strike putting the finishing touches on Mexico's 3-0 victory shortly after his introduction. Czechia's World Cup campaign comes to an end at the bottom of Group A, with Schick and his teammates eliminated from the tournament.

JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE

Ibrahim Maza - Four shots in 2-1 win Maza recorded four shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 2-1 victory against Jordan.

Impact Maza took four shots as his side won 2-1 in the second group game of the World Cup against Jordan. They will look to pick up a result in the final game against Austria in order to guarantee progression out of the group stage. The midfielder has started both matches in the World Cup, but put two of his four shots on target in this game, putting two on target. He also created two chances, a strong performance from the 20-year-old.

JUNE 23 • ROTOWIRE

Malik Tillman - Sends eight crosses in win Tillman recorded eight crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Friday's 2-0 victory versus Australia.

Impact Tillman continues to handle corner-kick duties for the USMNT and routinely sends crosses into the box, but he didn't do much the rest of the way. Still, the Leverkusen playmaker has done well enough to continue starting in midfield alongside Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Through two World Cup games, he has one assist, five shots, five chances created, nine crosses, seven corners, three tackles, three interceptions and two clearances.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

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