Bayer Leverkusen are set to host Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash on Wednesday evening in Germany
13:27, 10 Mar 2026
Christian Kofane
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Striker Christian Kofane hurt his foot during Bayer Leverkusen's final training session
Bayer Leverkusen suffered a late injury scare on Tuesday during their final training session before hosting Arsenal in the Champions League last 16.
Highly-rated young striker Christian Kofane, who has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, pulled up with a foot issue during the club's open session.
It was a tense moment in front of the German press as forward Kofane was in visible pain and later removed his left sock.
However, following treatment and dialogue with the Leverkusen medical staff pitch-side, he continued training, though the problem will need to be monitored.
Kofane also spoke during Leverkusen's pre-match press conference on Tuesday lunchtime, indicating he'll be available: "I'm really excited about the game, Arsenal are a great team. We have trained well and want to give everything we can."
Fellow striker Patrik Schick also trained despite recently suffering a muscular issue in the 1-0 win at Hamburger SV, in which Kofane struck the winner.
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There was also positive news on two other players who have both previously featured in the Premier League.
Former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and ex-Burnley and Southampton forward Nathan Tella were also back in training with the Bundesliga outfit.
However, the match will come too soon for them as they are both currently rebuilding fitness levels following knee and ankle ligament injuries, respectively.
Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand said of the Premier League leaders: "Arsenal are the best team in Europe right now. It's a big challenge but we're ready".
Meanwhile, Arsenal received positive news of their own on Tuesday lunchtime as Mikel Arteta's team trained for the final time at London Colney before flying to Germany.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand
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Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand has been full of praise for Arsenal before their Champions League meeting
Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard were both back on the grass after they were forced off on Saturday at Mansfield Town while William Saliba has also recovered from an ankle injury.
All three look set to be available to face Leverkusen and the same applies to Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Zubimendi, who were rested at the weekend.
Piero Hincapie is also available to face his parent club, even though he is on loan from Bayer.
The club's sporting director Simon Rolfes has praised the Ecuadorian international ahead of his return to the BayArea, stating: "We would have loved to keep Piero. Now we're happy to see him again. Because his time with us was a fantastic success story. He has matured into a top international player with us."
The winners of this tie will face Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP of Portugal for a place in the semi-finals, where Barcelona, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid or Tottenham await the victors on the long-winding road to Budapest.
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