His start in Leverkusen was promising, but then Brazilian right-back Arthur was hit hard with two serious thigh injuries. In the Europa League against West Ham United, the full-back returns to Leverkusen’s squad for the first time since matchday 3.
Returns to the squad: Arthur. IMAGO/Beautiful Sports
His first appearances were promising. After Arthur moved from America FC to Leverkusen in the summer, the Brazilian international immediately impressed in his first friendly appearances. In particular, the right-footer played a strong game in the unfamiliar left-back position in the 4-0 win in the dress rehearsal against West Ham United.
Fast but also technically adept, the 21-year-old has excellent skills to make an impact in Leverkusen’s possession football. All observers were sure that Bayer had made a good catch with Arthur. But so far the right-back has hardly been able to demonstrate his class. At the beginning of September he seriously injured his thigh while playing for Brazil’s Olympic team. At the beginning of December, when he was about to make a comeback, he suffered another severe attack on the same muscle.
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After the necessary operation, Arthur has now fought his way back into the team and will make his return to the Leverkusen squad on Thursday in the quarter-final first leg of the Europa League. “He still needs a little time, but he’ll be in the squad tomorrow,” said coach Xabi Alonso on Wednesday. Since the international number of nominated players is not limited to 20, but to 23 players, there is definitely room for the unlucky guy who reports back in time for the possible championship celebration on Sunday.
Arthur as an alternative to Grimaldo
Now Arthur has to take the final step back. “He needs playing time. We’ll see when the moment is right to give him these minutes. It’s important for him to feel part of the team again after a long injury,” the coach explains the upcoming phase.
So that the seven million euro transfer fee professional can still become an important factor in the shooting phase of the season. Xabi Alonso has no real alternative to the outstanding full-back Alejandro Grimaldo on the left side. A fit Arthur could portray her, albeit with a different profile.
2024-04-10 19:19:13
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