Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has revealed that Super Eagles star Nathan Tella will have to be subjected to a late fitness test ahead of Tuesday’s DFB Pokal semi-final against third tier opponents Arminia Bielefeld, Footynaija.com reports.
Tella has been sidelined by injury (strain) for the last few weeks with the 25-year-old midfielder forced to withdraw from the Nigeria national team despite being named in Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe during this past international break.
The former Southampton star has since been working his way back to full fitness but he was unable to make his comeback before Leverkusen’s 3-1 victory over Bochum. Before that game Alonso confirmed the midfielder’s unavailability in a press conference.
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“Nathan, maybe not tomorrow, but hopefully he’ll be back for the DFB Pokal semi-final against Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday,” he told reporters as quoted by Rotowire last Friday.
Fast forward to Monday, the widely admired Spanish tactician provided a much more positive update regarding the Nigerian’s fitness and potential availability for selection while speaking ahead of his side’s match against 3. Liga side Bielefeld.
“Nathan [Tella feels] way better. We train now, but if there is no problem [during the session], he will be in the squad [against Bielefeld tomorrow],” Alonso said as revealed by Werkself.
With or without the help of Tella, Leverkusen should enjoy a straightforward day at the office on Tuesday and secure a place in the final where they will look to successfully defend their crown.
