Leverkusen: Algeria forward Ibrahim Maza suffers knew knee injury ahead of March camp

Ibrahim Maza was forced off with a right knee injury as Bayer Leverkusen sealed their place in the Champions League last 16 with a goalless draw against Olympiacos.

Leverkusen progressed from the play-off tie after building on their 2-0 first-leg victory, ensuring qualification despite failing to score in the return match.

Yet the positive result was overshadowed by concern over Maza’s fitness.

The young Algerian forward started the second leg and completed the first half without apparent difficulty.

However, he was replaced in the 56th minute by Ernst Boke after appearing to suffer discomfort in his right knee.

The club has not provided details on the extent of the injury.

The setback revives fears over the striker’s physical condition.

Earlier this season, Maza missed three consecutive matches due to a knee problem before gradually returning to action.

He played 45 minutes against St. Pauli, 64 minutes in the first leg against Olympiacos and completed 90 minutes against Union Berlin, suggesting he had regained momentum.

This latest episode raises fresh questions about his durability at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Despite his youth, Maza has become an important figure for Leverkusen.

Across all competitions this season, he has featured in 29 matches, scoring four goals and registering four assists.

The injury is also likely to be monitored closely by the Algerian national team.

A training camp is scheduled for March, with friendly matches against Guatemala and Uruguay in Italy as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

National team coach Vladimir Petkovic and Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand will both hope the forward can recover swiftly.

With important international fixtures approaching, careful management of his fitness could prove decisive for both club and country.

For now, Leverkusen celebrate progression in Europe, but uncertainty surrounds one of their promising attacking options.