Alonso Hopeful of Xhaka Recovery for Dortmund Match

Bayer Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka faces a fitness test ahead of Friday's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Xhaka's Fitness Race for Dortmund Clash

Bayer Leverkusen's influential midfielder Granit Xhaka is facing a tight deadline to recover from an ankle injury in time for Friday's Bundesliga showdown against Borussia Dortmund. Coach Xabi Alonso expressed cautious optimism about Xhaka's chances of being fit for the match. Xhaka's experience and leadership in midfield are crucial for Leverkusen, who are currently second in the standings, four points behind Bayer Munich.

Xhaka, who turned 32, has been in impressive form this season, scoring two goals and providing five assists in the Bundesliga. However, he suffered an ankle injury during training earlier this week. Alonso provided an update on Xhaka's condition during a press conference, saying, “Tomorrow we will train a bit and we will decide. We still need a bit more time.” He added, “He twisted his ankle a bit but there is still hope. There are still more than 24 hours until the game, there is still time. We have to wait. It is not serious but we have to see tomorrow if he can be with us.”

Xhaka's Injury Concerns

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso revealed that Granit Xhaka did not complete the full training session on Thursday, casting doubt on his availability for Friday's Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund.

High-Stakes Clash in Dortmund

Leverkusen is seeking to extend its winning streak in the league, having ended 2024 with five consecutive victories. However, they face a formidable challenge against Dortmund, who remain unbeaten at home this season. Alonso acknowledged the difficulty of the task, saying, “At home they are very strong, they play with great quality.” To overcome this hurdle, Alonso emphasized the need for a flawless performance from his team. “We will need our best game and good mentality and stability. We will need a perfect performance from us.”

🗣️Head Coach Xabi Alonso at the Press Conference before #BVBB04 pic.twitter.com/wzk97UwwfR

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 9, 2025

Preparation and Expectations

Despite the challenges ahead, Alonso expressed confidence in his team's preparation for the match. “We had enough time to prepare for this and we expect a top match against a top opponent,” he said. Leverkusen currently sits in second place with 32 points, seven ahead of sixth-placed Dortmund, who have 25 points.