Lucas Vázquez
B04Spain
Right
Jul 1, 1991
34
5'8"
154 lb
RWB
--
Balanced Full Back
LeverkusenMakes bench Saturday
Vazquez (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Stuttgart.
Analysis: Vazquez passed his late fitness assessment after coach Kasper Hjulmand confirmed he would be evaluated following his return to collective sessions Thursday, recovering enough to earn a spot in the squad after missing two consecutive Bundesliga fixtures with the persistent calf problems sustained during the DFB Pokal semifinal against Bayern Munich. The club opted to manage his return carefully rather than throwing him straight back into the starting role, with Arthur and Montrell Culbreath expected to continue covering until he is back to full speed.
Trains with team, could return
Vazquez (calf) was spotted in team training Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Stuttgart, according to coach Kasper Hjulmand.
Analysis: Vazquez had missed two consecutive Bundesliga fixtures with the persistent calf problems he sustained during the DFB Pokal semifinal against Bayern Munich, making his return to collective sessions an encouraging development heading into the weekend. The club will make a final call on his involvement after assessing how he responds to the remaining sessions before Saturday, with Arthur and Montrell Culbreath having covered in his absence during his recent spell on the sidelines.
Sill dealing with calf problems
Vazquez will miss Saturday's home clash against Leipzig after further examination confirmed he remains unavailable due to persistent calf problems, according to BILD.
Analysis: Vazquez suffered the calf injury during the DFB Pokal semifinal against Bayern Munich, where he was forced off in the 39th minute, and has been unable to shake the issue since. The right-back will miss a second Bundesliga fixture with the problem, and no return timeline has been provided beyond the immediate weekend. Arthur or Montrell Culbreath are expected to cover in his absence as the Werkself push through a critical final stretch of the season.
Remains out Saturday
Vazquez (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Koln.
Analysis: Vazquez has been unable to pass his late fitness assessment despite coach Kasper Hjulmand confirming his status would be determined following Friday's session, with the muscular issues that have plagued him throughout the campaign proving too significant to clear in time. The Spanish midfielder's absence compounds an already difficult situation with Arthur (ankle) also sidelined due to an injury, leaving the coach short of options in the middle of the park. Jonas Hofmann or Montrell Culbreath are expected to see larger roles for the Werkself until Vazquez returns to full speed.
Uncertain for Koln clash
Vazquez (undisclosed) is uncertain for Saturday's clash against Koln, according to coach Kasper Hjulmand.
Analysis: Vazquez has been managing several muscular issues throughout the season, and the latest uncertainty heading into the weekend is another frustrating development for the Spanish midfielder. With Arthur (ankle) still sidelined, Jonas Hofmann or Montrell Culbreath are the most likely candidates to step into the lineup if Vazquez cannot be cleared in time for the Goats fixture. The club will make a final call ahead of kickoff after assessing his condition in Friday's session.
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