Kofane returns from Cameroon duty with thigh concern

Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane was substituted at half-time in Cameroon's AFCON qualifier due to a thigh issue, casting doubt on his availability for the Bundesliga restart.

Christian Kofane has returned to Bayer Leverkusen from international duty with an injury concern. The 20-year-old striker was substituted at half-time during Cameroon's 3-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Comoros on Thursday after feeling a twinge in his thigh.

Cameroon head coach David Pagou explained the decision after the match. "He was holding his thigh; he felt a little twinge, and we did not want to take any risk," Pagou said. The change was described as purely precautionary. It remains unclear if Kofane will be available for Cameroon's next qualifier against Congo on Tuesday.

Context at Bayer Leverkusen

The young forward's return with a niggle comes at an inopportune moment. Bayer Leverkusen, currently fifth in the Bundesliga standings with seven points from four games, are preparing for the league's restart. Their first match back is away to sixth-placed FSV Mainz 05 on October 10. Kofane has scored two goals in three Bundesliga appearances this season, largely coming off the bench. He was introduced in the second half of the last two league games, a 2-2 draw at Augsburg and a 2-0 home win over RB Leipzig, averaging 33 minutes per appearance.

Under head coach Carles Martinez, Leverkusen operate with a single central striker. That role has been primarily filled by Patrik Schick, who leads the team's scoring charts with four goals this season. If Kofane is not fit for the trip to Mainz, Schick is the clear candidate to start. Leverkusen are in a positive run of form, with three wins, one draw, and one loss from their last five competitive matches.

Kofane, who joined Leverkusen from Albacete in 2025, earned his place in the squad with a strong pre-season. His fast and powerful style is intended to add variety to the attack, as sporting director Simon Rolfes highlighted upon his signing. Whether he can fulfil that role this weekend will become clear in the coming training sessions. The match in Mainz kicks off on Saturday, October 10.