Loïc Badé returns to Bayer Leverkusen training

Bayer Leverkusen have received a welcome boost in defence, with Loïc Badé now fully reintegrated into first-team training after his muscle injury.

The centre-back was spotted on the club’s social media channels in the winners’ photo from a training game on Tuesday, a clear sign he is once again involved without restrictions.

Badé had been sidelined for over a month due to a thigh problem, missing eight competitive fixtures during that spell. Around a week ago he had already completed parts of team training, but his latest session suggests he has taken another important step in his recovery.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s home match against Wolfsburg, the 25-year-old could immediately become an option for the matchday squad. With Jarell Quansah out due to a muscle injury in his left front thigh, a place in the starting XI for Badé appears realistic on paper.

However, after such a layoff, the coaching staff must decide whether to start him straight away or build up his minutes more carefully.