Erneuter Verletzungsrückschlag leaves Bayer-Star Tella out of opener

Erneuter Verletzungsrückschlag hits Bayer-Star Nathan Tella as the 27‑year‑old Nigerian international remains sidelined by recurring muscular problems, missing Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga opener against SV Elversberg after a standout Joker performance in the cup against Wehen Wiesbaden and will also miss the upcoming league fixtures while the club looks to integrate new signing Moussa Diaby.

Cup hero misses league debut

Mit Moussa Diaby, Bayer Leverkusen completed the acquisition of an Außenstürmer for the right Flügel on Deadline Day, adding depth to the Position that Nathan Tella also favours.

Problem: Der Nationalspieler has seen his season hampered by Problemen since the Vorbereitung, with muscular issues repeatedly pulling him back.

His recent Leistung came as a Joker in the Pokal match versus Wehen Wiesbaden, where he impressed before the setback.

Consequently, he missed the Bundesliga start against SV Elversberg, a match that could have marked his return.

Intense competition ahead

Es marks another Rückschlag, noted by Jörg Schüler/GettyImages, as Coach Carles Martínez said on Friday, “Mit Nathan und Montrell kommen wir voran, aber sie sind jetzt noch nicht dabei. Vielleicht nutzen sie ja die Länderspielpause, diese zwei bis drei Wochen, um sich vorzubereiten”.

While teammate Culbreath appears on track for an early comeback, Martínez expects Tella to be fit only in October.

Tella now faces competition from Moussa Diaby, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Martin Terrier for the winger role.

Der 42‑Jährige Martínez added, “Sie sind beide fit, das ist gut für mich als Trainer” referring to the duo of Ben Seghir and Terrier.

Das means Tella must fight for his place after his October return, as the squad’s hierarchy reshapes.