Moussa Diaby targets Bayer Leverkusen return against Paderborn

Moussa Diaby is closing in on a return to full training at Bayer Leverkusen after making encouraging progress in his recovery from a thigh injury.

The 27-year-old French winger has missed four competitive matches after sustaining a fascia injury in his right thigh during the Bundesliga defeat against Hoffenheim on October 25.

According to Bild, Diaby participated in parts of the team’s training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, successfully completing intensive sprinting exercises.

The former Aston Villa attacker is now targeting a full return to collective training next week as he prepares for Leverkusen’s Bundesliga encounter against SC Paderborn on November 21.

“I am working every day to be ready for this game. I already feel good and things are getting better every day. Next week I will return fully to team training,” Diaby explained.

The Frenchman revealed that he was disappointed to miss the recent Rhine derby against Cologne, which Leverkusen won 2-1.

“I wanted to play. It was possible, but there was a small risk of injuring myself again. That is why we decided not to play,” he added.

His availability against Paderborn will depend on how he responds to next week’s training sessions.