Xabi Alonso reacts to Florian Wirtz injury | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen confirmed on Monday that Florian Wirtz (21) would be sidelined for several weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in their Bundesliga defeat against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

In positive news, Wirtz’ injury isn’t as bad as first imagined, but the Germany international will be absent for several weeks, including Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg against Bayern Munich.

Speaking in Monday’s press conference, Alonso said: “I feel sorry for Flo. But now is a good moment where we can show that we are a complete team even without Flo.”

Jonathan Tah, also present at the pre-match press conference, added: “It’s a big test for us. We can prove that we are a team that can handle it. We will play for him.”

When asked whether Wirtz’ absence would provide extra motivation, Alonso added: “Yes, it can. It can be an extra boost. Tomorrow would be the best moment, of course.”

Bayer Leverkusen are also without Nordi Mukiele for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, with the reigning Bundesliga champions needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit without conceding to take the game to extra time.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder