Bayer Leverkusen must deliver a victory against Hamburger SV on the final day of the Bundesliga season and simultaneously hope that both VfB Stuttgart and Hoffenheim suffer defeats if they are to snatch a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
However, the already daunting task has been made considerably more difficult by a mounting injury crisis in attack.
Martin Terrier is already ruled out with a thigh injury, while Nathan Tella remains doubtful due to a muscular problem.
Adding to the concern, reports indicate that Cameroonian forward Christian Kofane sustained a shoulder injury during Leverkusen’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart on Matchday 33.
Should both Kofane and Tella fail to recover in time for Saturday’s crucial fixture, head coach Kasper Hjulmand will be left with severely limited options in the final third.
Ernest Poku would likely shoulder the burden as the primary attacking threat, yet the Dutch forward has struggled to find his best form in recent outings, raising questions about his ability to deliver under pressure.
The situation is further clouded by off-field developments. Hjulmand’s tenure at Bayer Leverkusen will conclude at the end of this campaign, meaning Saturday’s home clash against Hamburger SV will mark his final game in charge.
The Danish manager will be eager to bow out on a high note, but the team’s European ambitions now rest on a delicate combination of results.
Although qualification remains mathematically possible, Leverkusen effectively squandered their best opportunity with the heavy loss to Stuttgart last weekend.
Sitting in sixth position, they trail fifth-placed Hoffenheim and fourth-placed Stuttgart by three points each with only one match remaining.
Leverkusen must now produce a flawless performance while relying on slips from their rivals.
With attacking depth depleted and the season reaching its dramatic climax, they face an uphill battle to keep their Champions League dream alive.
Success will require both clinical finishing on the pitch and favorable outcomes elsewhere in a high-stakes final weekend.
