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Mixed news for Leverkusen ahead of Bayern clash

Mixed news for Leverkusen ahead of Bayern clash

Yahoo09-03-2025

Bayer Leverkusen have been boosted by the return of Edmond Tapsoba ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg away to Bayern Munich.
The Burkina Faso international missed Saturday's 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt after feeling unwell pre-match, but is expected to return to the starting line-up against the Bavarians after taking part in Leverkusen's final pre-match training session on Tuesday.
On the negative side for Die Werkself, Robert Andrich missed training through illness and is in line to miss Wednesday's game.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is expected to give an update on his squad at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening.

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