Leverkusen Confirm Blaswich Cup Start As Injured Stars Near Return

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez has confirmed that Janis Blaswich will start Wednesday's DFB-Pokal clash against Nürnberg, while providing encouraging updates on several injured players.

The Spaniard also revealed that Montrell Culbreath is approaching a return to the squad after weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury, while Christian Kofane, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Guéla Doué are all making progress towards full fitness.

The updates come at an important moment for Die Werkself, who are looking to respond to Sunday's 3-0 Bundesliga defeat against Hoffenheim.

Blaswich Gets Another Cup Opportunity

Martínez has decided to stick with Blaswich for the second round of the DFB-Pokal, continuing the goalkeeper rotation established earlier in the competition.

The 35-year-old started Leverkusen's opening-round encounter against third-division Wehen Wiesbaden, helping the team secure a comfortable 4-0 victory.

Martínez confirmed when asked about his goalkeeper selection.

The decision means Mark Flekken is expected to make way once again, with Blaswich receiving another opportunity to demonstrate his reliability.

It will also be Blaswich's second start in less than a week after featuring in Leverkusen's 2-0 Europa League victory over OFI Crete, when Martínez rewarded him for his work in training.

Culbreath Closing In On Comeback

There is also encouraging news concerning Montrell Culbreath.

The young Bayer midfielder has been sidelined for several weeks with a foot injury but is now on the verge of returning to the matchday squad.

His potential availability would provide Martínez with another option at a time when injuries have reduced the coach's flexibility.

However, the club have not confirmed whether Culbreath will be ready to feature against Nürnberg or whether his return will come later.

Meanwhile, Kofane, Ben Seghir and Doué are also approaching their respective comebacks, although Martínez remains reluctant to establish specific return dates.

Martínez Refuses To Rush Injured Players

The Spaniard explained that all three players are progressing well but stressed that their recovery must be managed carefully.

He suggested that some could return this weekend or next week, while others may benefit from waiting until after the November international break.

That cautious approach is understandable given Leverkusen's growing injury concerns.

Moussa Diaby is expected to remain sidelined until after the international break following the thigh injury he suffered against Hoffenheim, while Loïc Badé is recovering from a head contusion and laceration sustained in the same match.

With Nürnberg awaiting in the cup and Stuttgart visiting the BayArena on Saturday, Martínez must balance the immediate need for results against the importance of avoiding further setbacks.

Blaswich's selection is already settled, but the availability of Leverkusen's recovering players could become increasingly important as the fixture schedule intensifies.

From here the stage only gets bigger.