Hermoso to miss out against Bayern

Xabi Alonso has announced that Mario Hermoso will join long-term absentees Martin Terrier and Jeanuel Belocian on the sidelines for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Bayern Munich.

“He has a stomach problem and hasn't been able to train, so unfortunately he won't be in the squad tomorrow,” revealed Alonso at his pre-match press conference.

Three points would be welcome for Xabi Alonso and his men in the title race, with Leverkusen eight points behind Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Asked about his approach to the game, the Spaniard said:

“I think there will be a moment for everything against Bayern. We know what we want and have prepared our idea. 

"We're playing at home, but we need to understand what phase [of the game] we are in. But the idea is clear, we're competitive and we need to prepare well.”