Crucial hours ahead as Bayern Leverkusen sweat on Xhaka fitness

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is sweating on the fitness of midfielder Granit Xhaka ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster clash with Borussia Dortmund. 

Bundesliga action resumes this weekend after a three-week winter break, with the reigning champions hoping to close the four-point gap to leaders Bayern Munich. 

However, Leverkusen could be without influential midfielder Xhaka, who has been featured in every single game for Alonso’s side across all competitions this season. 

The Swiss international has scored two goals and notched five assists in 25 appearances this term, starting in 23 of those encounters for Leverkusen. 

Xhaka, however, suffered an ankle injury in training earlier this week, though Alonso was hopeful that the 32-year-old would be fit enough to play against Dortmund on Friday.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the clash, Alonso revealed decisions will be made after a brief training session.

He twisted his ankle a bit, but there is still hope. There are still more than 24 hours until the game, there is still time.

“We have to wait. It is not serious, but we have to see tomorrow if he can be with us.”

Alonso also said that Xhaka did not complete the full training session on Thursday, placing his inclusion in the squad at risk for the trip to the Westfalenstadion. 

After enduring a difficult start to the 2024 campaign, Leverkusen ended the year on a high with five consecutive Bundesliga victories. 

Leverkusen have also won their last eight competitive matches. The last time they won nine in a row was from September to November 2023 (14).

But they come up against a Dortmund side yet to be beaten at home in the Bundesliga this season from the 11 games they have played (W8 D3). 

However, Leverkusen remains unbeaten in 24 Bundesliga away matches (W18 D6 – a current club record). This means that the longest current home unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga meets the longest away unbeaten streak this Friday. 

“At home, they are very strong, they play with great quality,” Alonso said. “We will need our best game and a good mentality and stability.

“We will need a perfect performance from us. We had enough time to prepare for this, and we expect a top match against a top opponent,” he concluded.

There is no doubt Alonso will look to drive his side to keep up with the impressive performances before the break.

However, to keep the momentum going, he will need his key men available, most especially Granit Xhaka in that middle of the park, as he has been instrumental for the Spaniard side ever since he arrived from Premier League side Arsenal.

For now, fingers crossed as Alonso waits for an update in the race for Xhaka’s fitness.