Hjulmand hopeful Schick will be fit to face Köln

Bayer Leverkusen will make a late decision on Patrik Schick’s involvement against 1. FC Köln after the striker was forced off against Newcastle.

Bayer Leverkusen were dealt an injury scare in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Newcastle United, as Patrik Schick was forced off with a deep cut to his ankle.

However, head coach Kasper Hjulmand hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the Czech striker being included in the squad for Saturday’s derby against 1. FC Köln.

“The squad status is looking good. There should be no big changes. We still have hope when it comes to Schick. He’ll go through another medical check tomorrow, but we think Schick will be ready,” Hjulmand said at a press conference on Friday.

Hjulmand also revealed that while Saturday will likely come too soon for Equi Fernandez, the midfielder has a realistic chance of returning for next week’s clash with RB Leipzig.

“It’ll be very tight for Equi for tomorrow. But it looks as if he’ll be ready for the Leipzig game,” the coach added.

Exequiel Palacios, meanwhile, remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.