Bayer Leverkusen faces a nervous wait regarding the fitness of star playmaker Ibrahim Maza ahead of their upcoming Bundesliga fixture against Mainz. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder returned from international duty with Algeria carrying a compression bandage on his right foot after sustaining an injury during a 2-1 victory over Niger.
Injury Diagnosis And Recovery In Leverkusen
Maza was forced off just before halftime in Algiers after taking a direct kick to his right ankle and awkwardly turning the joint. According to reports published by BILD, the player routinely wears a protective tape bandage to stabilize the foot, a precaution medical staff believe prevented a more severe trauma during the challenge.
Initial examinations conducted in Leverkusen ruled out a long-term fracture, diagnosing the issue as a painful ankle bruise. Although the most acute pain has subsided since the player’s return, discomfort in the joint persists. The club’s physiotherapy team is actively treating the large hematoma using targeted massages to accelerate the recovery process ahead of the weekend fixture.
Martínez Assesses Maza Before Bundesliga Match
Head coach Carles Martínez will make a definitive assessment on Friday during the final training session at the club’s base. Staff will evaluate whether the playmaker’s ankle can withstand full physical loads without recurring pain. Club insiders noted that Maza relies heavily on tactile feel and mobility in his dominant right foot, meaning painkilling injections will not be utilized because they would impair his technical style of play.
Maza’s availability carries significant weight for the Bundesliga side. Valued at €50 million alongside teammate Jarell Quansah, the young international has played every minute of Leverkusen’s opening four league matches, contributing one goal and one assist. Should he fail to pass Friday’s fitness test, United States international Malik Tillman is positioned to step into the central attacking midfield role.
Absence Of Christian Kofane Complicates Squad Options
While the club awaits clarity on Maza, manager Carles Martínez has already been forced to plan without striker Christian Kofane. The 20-year-old Cameroon international also returned from international duty with a confirmed left thigh injury. Medical evaluations indicate that Kofane will be sidelined for the coming weeks, reducing attacking depth as the squad prepares for the fixture at Mewa Arena.
The Bundesliga encounter between Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen is scheduled for Saturday at 15:30 local time (13:30 UTC).
