Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen’s dynamic attacking midfielder, has made a full recovery from injury and is set to start against struggling Union Berlin in the Bundesliga this Saturday, as announced by coach Xabi Alonso on Friday.
The 21-year-old German international, who has netted nine goals and provided 10 assists in the Bundesliga, in addition to scoring six times in the Champions League, had been sidelined due to an ankle ligament injury sustained in early March.
His comeback is especially timely for second-placed Leverkusen, currently six points adrift of Bayern Munich with just six fixtures remaining in the season.
“Flo is fit again, included in the squad, and prepared to play, even from the outset, which is fantastic news,” Alonso stated during a press briefing.
“With Florian in the team, we are a stronger unit. Our connections across the pitch improve significantly. He’s the key player who can turn the game in our favour.”
The reigning champions, Leverkusen, sit on 62 points, trailing Bayern, who also eliminated them from the Champions League in the Round of 16.
Alonso remarked that dwelling on the league table serves no purpose, emphasising that his side must win all their remaining matches to retain any hopes of clinching the title.
“Our focus is to apply pressure on Bayern, and we will see how things unfold,” Alonso said.
Bayern Munich have a hectic schedule ahead, including a trip to face Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final next week, as well as hosting Borussia Dortmund in the Klassiker on Saturday.
“Our aim is to triumph in every match,” Alonso added. “We understand this is our only pathway forward. We’re taking it one game at a time and will see the outcomes as they come. Our priority is to win tomorrow and do our part.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
