Xabi Alonso gives injury update on trio

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has given an update on Nathan Tella, Edmond Tapsoba and Mario Hermoso ahead of his side’s clash with VfB Stuttgart.

Nathan Tella, Edmond Tapsoba and Mario Hermoso have all been ruled out of Bayer Leverkusen’s trip to Stuttgart on Sunday.

Tella could return to training in the near future, while Edmond Tapsoba and Mario Hermoso in particular are likely to need more time.

“There is hope for Nathan Tella, yes,” Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said on Friday of the possibility of Tella returning to training during the upcoming international break.

“‘Edi’ might need a bit more time. But we don’t know exactly how long. 10 days, two weeks or even a little longer,” he continued.

Mario Hermoso, who injured his shoulder in Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich, could be out for the rest of the season at worst.

“He’s still in a lot of pain. But we don’t have a diagnosis yet. He still has to undergo further tests,” said Xabi Alonso.

“Of course there is a possibility (that Hermoso will miss the rest of the season), but we’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully there will be a positive prognosis so that he can play in April. I don’t know at the moment,” he continued.