Ben Seghir injury setbacks test Bayer Leverkusen’s patience

Eliesse Ben Seghir’s latest muscle injury has increased concerns at Bayer Leverkusen, with the German club growing frustrated by the Morocco international’s repeated fitness problems.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder played 19 minutes in Morocco’s 6-0 friendly victory over Fortuna Cologne during the international break. The appearance was intended to help him rebuild his match fitness, but he subsequently suffered a muscular problem and was ruled out of Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-3 win at Mainz on Saturday.

The latest setback is not expected to keep Ben Seghir out for a prolonged period. However, its recurrence has heightened the club’s concerns, particularly because it is his third physical problem since the start of pre-season.

That has led to a firmer message from Bayer Leverkusen than on previous occasions. The club still believes in the player’s ability, but now expects him to establish greater physical consistency.

Ben Seghir joined Bayer Leverkusen from Monaco for approximately 32 million euros in summer 2025, but he has yet to make a sustained impact in Germany. A difficult adaptation, limited playing time and a series of injuries have restricted him to occasional glimpses of his ability since the move.

His first season was disrupted by an ankle injury which kept him out for almost two months. His fitness problems also affected his international career, with Ben Seghir forced to miss the final of CAN 2025 because of injury.

A thigh injury this summer then caused him to miss part of Bayer Leverkusen’s preparations and the beginning of the league campaign. His latest muscular issue has therefore added to a pattern that is becoming increasingly persistent.

Despite those difficulties, the former Monaco player remains regarded as one of the most promising talents in Moroccan football. At 21, however, he has so far struggled to play often enough to take the next step in his career in Germany.

Bayer Leverkusen says it wants to support Ben Seghir, but comments from Rolfes and Martinez indicate that the club is also looking for the player to improve how he manages his body.

His immediate priority will be to return to action, but avoiding another interruption will be just as important. A further injury would risk renewing the same concerns over his ability to maintain a consistent run in the team.

The latest episode has left Ben Seghir facing a more significant challenge than simply recovering quickly. He must now demonstrate that he can remain available long enough to build momentum at Bayer Leverkusen.