Alonso gives update on Wirtz and Schick ahead of Köln derby

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has given an update on his personnel, including Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick.

Florian Wirtz has been ruled out of Bayer Leverkusen’s derby clash with FC Köln tomorrow.
The 19-year-old hasn’t featured since he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in March, and he isn’t quite ready to return to match action yet.

“It’s still too early for ‘Flo’. We have to wait some more,” Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said at a press conference today.

This means that Wirtz will not be able to make his return before Hansi Flick announces his Germany squad on Thursday.

“We’ll see what happens. It’s not our decision,” Alonso said with regard to the possible inclusion of Wirtz in the squad.

“Of course I support my players if there is a chance of being called up to a World Cup. I know what that means for a player,” he added.

In addition to Wirtz, Sardar Azmoun will miss tomorrow’s game, while a late decision will be made on the involvement of Patrik Schick and Charles Aranguiz, who both missed the 5-0 win over Union Berlin last Sunday.

“We will make a decision tomorrow. They’re feeling better, but it’s not clear yet [if they will be in the squad],” said Alonso.

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