Alonso reveals Schick is expected to miss the Bundesliga restart
Xabi Alonso is not expecting to have Patrik Schick at his disposal when Bayer Leverkusen face Gladbach in their first Bundesliga game of 2023.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso assumes that Patrik Schick will not be fit for the Bundesliga restart.
The Czech international is sidelined with adductor problems and is unlikely to be fit in time for Leverkusen's first Bundesliga match of 2023 against Borussia Mönchengladbach on January 22.
"It will be difficult. Normally, he won't be there. He needs more time. Patrik does feel better. But he is not fit for training at the moment," Alonso told reporters.
"Of course Patrik is important for us. We have to be patient and wait. Injuries are part of the game. We hope he will be fit soon."
As for who could fill in for Schick, Alonso said:
"We have Sardar [Azmoun]. For him, it's his regular position. We also have Adam Hložek, who plays the role well and helps the team a lot when he plays there. It's not his ideal position, but he does well there," noted Alonso.