Eliesse Ben Seghir nears Bayer Leverkusen return after six-week injury layoff

Eliesse Ben Seghir is closing in on a return to Bayer Leverkusen’s matchday squad after spending around six weeks sidelined by a thigh muscle injury.

The Moroccan attacking midfielder has resumed training and could be considered for Saturday’s Bundesliga home meeting with Union Berlin.

Ben Seghir’s absence has interrupted the start of his season, but his comeback work has now reached an encouraging stage. He has rejoined sessions with the group, giving Leverkusen a timely boost as the club prepares for another demanding league fixture.

However, head coach Carles Martinez is unwilling to confirm the 21-year-old’s availability before the final training session. “Eli is training. We still have to decide that,” Martinez said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

The coaching staff will evaluate Ben Seghir’s fitness after the final session before deciding whether he is ready to return to the squad. Following a lengthy spell out, Leverkusen are expected to take a cautious approach rather than risk a recurrence.

A place on the bench against Union would be a positive milestone for the talented forward, even if a starting role is unlikely. Ben Seghir will hope to regain match sharpness quickly and become an important attacking option as the Bundesliga campaign gathers pace.