Bayer’s full-back Arthur has been plagued by bad luck in recent months. Now his comeback is beginning. It could be doubly important for the front runner.
Working hard on his comeback: Leverkusen full-back Arthur. picture alliance / BEAUTIFUL SPORTS
When Simon Rolfes is asked about Arthur, he quickly goes into raptures. Leverkusen’s managing director praises the 21-year-old full-back, who joined the Werkself from America FC last summer, as “an outstanding player with great potential.” The Brazilian has “a fantastic character”, has “the grit and the will” to constantly work on himself – and has integrated well.
Arthur already speaks a few words of German, is learning diligently and would probably have made a few sporting headlines if this bucket of bad luck hadn’t been dumped on him. The youngster had only played three competitive games for Bayer when he suffered a hamstring injury in his thigh at the beginning of September. At the beginning of December he was about to return – but another hamstring injury followed. And Arthur had to undergo surgery.
Arthur can play on the right and left
Since then he has been working on his comeback, which shouldn’t be too far away. Recently, Rolfes tells kicker, he had to slow down a bit for a short time – but the plan is set: Arthur’s return should take place in April, possibly quite soon. This would give coach Xabi Alonso another option in the outside position just in time for the season finale. Arthur could even be doubly important for the Bundesliga leaders.
Although the national player, who has so far played once for Brazil’s A-Elf, was used on the right side of Leverkusen in his three substitute appearances at the beginning of this competitive season, he is also capable of doing so on the left side – whether as Full-back or as a rail player. Arthur has speed and technique, is strong, can sprint along the outside line or move into the middle. In the test against Bayer’s next Europa League opponent West Ham United in summer preparation (4-0), he provided proof, played on the left and showed his class.
Rolfes is hoping for the strong Arthur
“He can do it,” says Rolfes. “It’s really a shame that he was out for so long.” He hopes “that Arthur will now get on well and become a very important player for us – next season, but perhaps also this season.” Whether right or left. Because if Alejandro Grimaldo needed a break there and Xabi Alonso didn’t want to or couldn’t bring Piero Hincapie, there would still be the nimble Arthur. Always assuming that the planned comeback works this time.
2024-03-24 11:00:50
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