Bayer 04 Leverkusen have received encouraging news on the injury front as Nigerian forward Nathan Tella edges closer to full fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old winger has been out since January after suffering a foot injury, but he is now nearing a return to full team training alongside goalkeeper Mark Flekken and Moroccan attacker Eliesse Ben Seghir.
According to reports in Germany, the trio have been participating in intensive individual training sessions, suggesting their reintegration into first-team training could happen in the coming days.
That development offers a significant boost for Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand as the club enters a crucial period in both domestic and European competitions.
If recovery continues as expected, one or more of the injured players could return to the matchday squad as early as next week, or at the latest before the international break later this month.
For Nathan Tella, the return cannot come soon enough after a frustrating spell out of action.
The Nigerian attacker picked up a foot injury in January and has missed several matches for the German side. However, his progress in recent weeks suggests he is now nearing a full comeback.
Meanwhile, Ben Seghir has also been recovering after suffering a serious ankle injury shortly after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite their improving fitness levels, both attackers were not registered for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, meaning they will not feature when Leverkusen face Arsenal FC in the round of 16.
The decision was taken earlier due to the players’ lengthy absence, as the club opted to register other options, including Martin Terrier and Jonas Hofmann.
Tella and Ben Seghir could, however, be in contention to feature in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against FC Bayern Munich on March 14, depending on how quickly they reintegrate into full training.
Their return would provide an attacking boost for Leverkusen as they continue their push in the Bundesliga title race.
For Nigerian fans, Tella’s recovery will also be closely monitored ahead of the next international window, with the forward hoping to regain match sharpness after his injury layoff.
