Before Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, coach Kasper Hjulmand gave a positive fitness update on Nathan Tella.
Tella was not included in the squad for Leverkusen’s UEFA Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen because he sustained a knee injury during the 3-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.
Before the trip to Copenhagen, Hjulmand assured that the winger’s setback was just a short-term concern.
His remarks at the press conference on Friday imply that Tella is nearing a comeback.
The Super Eagles star began the season strongly, providing consecutive assists in the Bundesliga before his time out of action.
In quotes conveyed by Liga Insider, Hjulmand mentioned: “We’re optimistic that he’ll be okay”.
He mentioned that a final decision regarding Tella’s participation would be made on Saturday after the team’s training session.
Should Tella be deemed fit to play against Monchengladbach, it would provide Bayer Leverkusen with a significant boost.
Before his injury, the ex-Arsenal youth player had been instrumental for Die Werkself in the current season, starting every match.
Tella was included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, but he did not make the final cut.
