Guela Doue rules out Bayer Leverkusen return at Mainz

Bayer Leverkusen defender Guela Doue has ruled himself out of the Bundesliga trip to Mainz 05 after the international break as he continues recovering from a serious right-calf muscle injury.

The 23-year-old suffered the setback shortly after making his 27-minute debut against Augsburg. He injured his calf during the final training session before Leverkusen’s Europa League match against NK Celje, forcing an immediate halt to his early progress at the club.

Asked whether he could return against Mainz, Doué was clear: “No, unfortunately I still have to wait.”

The Ivorian initially needed crutches to protect the injured area, but says his condition has improved. He remains some distance from full fitness, however, and understands the need to be patient.

“I know that I have to be patient so that this injury heals first,” Doué explained.

For now, his rehabilitation consists of aqua jogging, electrical stimulation therapy and massage. Individual running work on the pitch is not expected to begin for about another week.

Leverkusen signed Doué from Strasbourg for around €30 million, and the club will carefully manage his recovery rather than risk another setback. “In a few weeks, I will be able to play again,” he said.