Jonas Hofmann is in contention to start for Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal against 1. FC Nürnberg. The player is being considered as an option on the wing after regular starter Moussa Diaby was ruled out with a muscle injury. The injury comes as the team sits fourth in the Bundesliga with 13 points from seven games, four points behind leaders Bayern München.
Manager Carles Martínez commented on the personnel situation ahead of the third-round tie. He said Jonas understands football very well, which helps the team even with problems on the wings. Regarding the young U19 international Montrell Culbreath, Martínez added that he should play a few minutes if the opportunity arises.
Two regulars sidelined
Alongside Diaby, Leverkusen will also be without centre-back Loïc Badé. He suffered a head injury. His return date is currently unclear. Diaby, however, could be available again after the upcoming international break. In goal, Janis Blaswich will play.
The Werkself enter the cup match with mixed form. In the Bundesliga, they sit in an upper-table position after a certain number of games. Carles Martínez's side has scored a double-digit number of goals but also conceded many. Specifically, Leverkusen have scored 16 goals this season but have also conceded 12. They are several points clear of the relegation playoff spot and a few points behind the league leaders. Top scorer for Leverkusen is Patrik Schick, who has six goals in seven appearances.
Last Sunday, the team suffered a home defeat. Their next league assignment is in November against another club at home. More precisely, the team hosts SC Paderborn 07, currently 13th in the table, on Saturday 21 November. The injury to Diaby hits the squad at a time when they need to keep pace at the top of the league. The cup tie against second-division side Nürnberg now offers a chance to regain momentum before returning to league action, where their recent form reads three wins and a draw from their last four matches.
Further reading: bild.de
