AFCON Fallout Hits Die Werkself
Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive stability has taken a significant hit. The club confirmed on Tuesday that Edmond Tapsoba returned from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an injury. Despite a stellar campaign where he was named one of the tournament’s best group-stage performers for Burkina Faso, the center-back is now set for a three-week layoff.
Missing the Champions League Final Push
The timing couldn’t be worse for manager Kasper Hjulmand. Currently sitting 20th in the Champions League table with 9 points, Leverkusen faces two “must-win” fixtures to secure a knockout stage spot:
- Jan 20: Away vs Olympiacos
- Jan 28: Home vs Villarreal
Two victories would guarantee Die Werkself a place in the play-offs, but they will have to achieve this without their third most-used player this season (22 appearances).
ℹ️ Edmond Tapsoba has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a muscle injury and is expected to be out of action for two to three weeks.
Get well soon, Eddy! 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/xjZiwrD5Zb
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 13, 2026
Heavy Snow Disrupts German Football
Tapsoba isn’t the only obstacle Leverkusen is facing. The German winter is wreaking havoc on the schedule. The club’s clash against Hamburg, originally set for Tuesday (13th), was suspended due to safety concerns following heavy snowfall across Germany—a fate already shared by fixtures like St. Pauli vs. Leipzig.
ℹ️ Match postponed in Hamburg!
The Bundesliga fixture between HSV and Bayer 04 has been called off due to weather-related safety concerns at Volksparkstadion.
We’ll keep you updated on the new date. 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/U4ynKNnApG
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 13, 2026
Recovery Timeline: When will Tapsoba return?
Medical staff expect Tapsoba to be fit for the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) clash against St. Pauli on February 3rd. If his recovery is delayed, a return for the Bundesliga match against Gladbach on February 7th is the backup plan.
Leverkusen’s Grueling Schedule:
- Jan 17: Hoffenheim (Bundesliga)
- Jan 20: Olympiacos (UCL)
- Jan 24: Werder Bremen (Bundesliga)
- Jan 28: Villarreal (UCL)
- Jan 31: Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)
