Leverkusen Make Six Changes As Youngster Earns Surprise Cup Call Up

Bayer Leverkusen have made six changes to their starting lineup for Wednesday's DFB-Pokal second-round clash against 1. FC Nürnberg, with Carles Martínez making some significant decisions following Sunday's disappointing defeat to Hoffenheim.

Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza are among the players left out of the starting eleven, while Malik Tillman, Jonas Hofmann and Afonso Moreira return to the lineup.

There is also an unexpected name on the bench, with French U18 international Kenan Doganay included in Leverkusen's official matchday squad.

The youngster joins Montrell Culbreath among the substitutes, with the latter returning after several weeks sidelined by a foot injury.

Six Changes After Hoffenheim Defeat

As expected following Martínez's pre-match confirmation, Janis Blaswich replaces Mark Flekken in goal.

The German goalkeeper previously started Leverkusen's 4-0 first-round victory over Wehen Wiesbaden and was also selected for last week's Europa League win against OFI Crete.

In defence, Lucas Vázquez replaces Jarell Quansah, joining Edmond Tapsoba, Facundo Medina and Miguel Gutiérrez in the back four.

Robert Andrich returns to midfield alongside Aleix García, with Ezequiel Fernández moving to the bench.

The most significant changes come further forward.

Maza makes way for Tillman in the attacking midfield position, while Hofmann and Moreira return to the starting lineup. Moussa Diaby is unavailable through injury, and Schick has been rested, leaving Nathan Tella as another important attacking option.

The changes represent a substantial reshuffle from the team that struggled to create opportunities against Hoffenheim, managing only one shot on target.

Tillman Gets His Chance As Maza Drops Out

Maza's absence from the starting lineup could be linked to his trip to London for the Ballon d'Or ceremony earlier this week. Having travelled during an already demanding fixture schedule, the Algerian may have been given additional recovery time, although Martínez has not confirmed the reason behind his decision.

His place goes to Malik Tillman, who now has an opportunity to strengthen his claim for a regular starting role. The American faces considerable competition from Maza in attacking midfield and will be eager to make the most of his chance.

Jonas Hofmann also returns after scoring twice against OFI Crete in the Europa League last week, while Patrik Schick starts on the bench. With Nathan Tella and Afonso Moreira leading the attack, Martínez has opted for a different attacking setup as Leverkusen look to respond to their defeat against Hoffenheim.

Doganay Earns First Team Recognition

Perhaps the most intriguing development is the inclusion of Kenan Doganay.

The French U18 international has been named among Leverkusen's substitutes, allowing the young prospect to experience a senior competitive matchday.

His selection comes as Martínez continues to manage an injury-hit squad, with Christian Kofane, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Guéla Doué still working towards their returns.

There is also encouraging news regarding Culbreath, whose presence on the bench confirms his return to the matchday squad following his foot injury.

For Doganay, even an appearance among the substitutes represents an important opportunity to gain experience around the senior team.

Die Werkself will now look to justify Martínez's rotation against a Nürnberg side managed by the German legend, Miroslav Klose, with qualification for the DFB-Pokal round of 16 at stake.