Bayer Leverkusen Could Have Key Player Unavailable For Champions League Clash With Newcastle

Bayer Leverkusen could be without Alex Grimaldo for their UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United on Wednesday night. 

Grimaldo missed Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 defeat against Augsburg on Saturday, raising concerns about his availability for Newcastle’s visit.

The 30-year-old has been one of Leverkusen’s standout players this season. He has played 17 matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.

Grimaldo Injury Update Issued After Augsburg Defeat

Alex Grimaldo picked up a knock during the November international break, but still played Bayer Leverkusen’s last four matches. However, he was absent from the lineup during the defeat at Augsburg.

After the Augsburg game, Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand ruled out an injury, but did not provide assurances that he would be available for the Newcastle United clash.

“After the last international break, he came back with a minor issue,” said Hjulmand.

“He is not injured. We pushed Grimaldo very hard so that he could play, but he was carrying a knock. We tried in training, but it wasn’t possible for him to play.

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“We hope he can play on Wednesday against Newcastle, but we don’t know yet. But we have hope – of course, also for the game on Saturday against Koln.”

According to reports, Grimaldo’s undisclosed injury worsened in Werkself’s 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on December 2.

If he misses out against Newcastle United, Ernest Poku will start as the left-wingback.

Grimaldo Impressed in Leverkusen’s Win over Manchester City

In the Champions League Gameweek 5, Bayer Leverkusen secured a shock 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. City were punished for experimenting as Pep Guardiola made several changes to his line-up.

Bayer Leverkusen’s performance was truly remarkable, and they deservedly won the match for their bravery.

Alex Grimaldo was one of the heroes of the match, as he led the team by example.

In the 23rd minute, Grimaldo put Leverkusen 1-0 up.

Unmarked, he attacked the Man City box and applied a powerful left-footed finish to send Christian Kofane’s lay-off into the back of the net.

Grimaldo also played 37 accurate passes, created a chance, registered six recoveries, and made two interceptions.

Patrick Schick scored the visitors’ second goal in the 54th minute, securing Leverkusen’s first win at the Etihad Stadium.

Newcastle United to be Without Four Players in Champions League Clash

While Bayer Leverkusen are still hoping to have Alex Grimaldo available for Wednesday’s match, Newcastle United already have four senior players ruled out.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope, right-back Kieran Trippier, and centre-back Sven Botman will not make the trip to Germany. Will Osula is also out with an ankle issue.

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However, they will have summer signing Yoane Wissa available for the Champions League Matchday 5 clash.

Wissa made his long-awaited Newcastle debut on Saturday, as the Magpies beat Burnley 2-1 at home. He played for 16 minutes and could not get a shot away.

He should get more minutes in the mid-week Champions League outing.