Morocco youngster Ben Seghir’s injury problems frustrate Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez has urged Morocco international Eliesse Ben Seghir to manage his physical condition better after the winger suffered another injury setback.

The 21-year-old missed Leverkusen’s 4-3 Bundesliga victory away to Mainz on Saturday after sustaining what the club described as a minor muscular injury.

The latest setback is Ben Seghir’s third fitness problem since preparations began for the 2026-27 season, raising further concerns about his availability.

“We are examining it and working to determine exactly how long he will be out,” Martínez said after the match. “Of course, this is bad news.”

The coach also called on the Moroccan to take greater care of his physical condition.

“Eli wants to play and help the team,” Martínez said. “But he has to learn to deal with his body better and manage it. We are not happy because every player is important.”

Injuries disrupt Ben Seghir’s season

Ben Seghir’s fitness difficulties began before Leverkusen’s first pre-season friendly in July, when he suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh.

An MRI scan confirmed the problem, which kept him out for an extended period.

The Moroccan eventually returned to competitive action with a 10-minute appearance in Leverkusen’s 2-0 Europa League victory over NK Celje on September 16, but another muscular problem disrupted his comeback.

After playing 19 minutes in a recent 6-0 friendly win over Fortuna Köln, Ben Seghir suffered his latest setback before the Mainz fixture.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes said the injury was not considered serious and that the winger was not expected to be out for long.

Moroccan winger awaits return

Ben Seghir joined Leverkusen from Monaco in August 2025 on a contract running until June 2030.

The German club described him as a versatile attacker capable of playing centrally or on either wing.

However, his second season in Germany has been disrupted by repeated fitness problems, limiting his opportunities to establish himself under Martínez.

Leverkusen return to action on Thursday against Lech Poznan in the Europa League before hosting Freiburg in the Bundesliga on October 18.

Ben Seghir’s availability for either fixture will depend on the outcome of further medical assessments.