Nathan Tella
B04
LW (RW)
One-v-One Creator
Jul 5, 1999 (27)
Right
5'8"
154 lb
LeverkusenNearing return
Tella (undisclosed) remains out but is improving and getting close to a return, according to coach Carles Martinez Novell.
Analysis: Tella missed 28 official matches last season due to injury, a difficult stretch that coincided with Leverkusen missing out on Champions League qualification, and had previously shown progress by making the bench for a preseason friendly against Newcastle. His continued improvement is an encouraging sign, and his path back to full fitness will be worth tracking as he builds toward a return under coach Carles Martinez Novell.
Returns to bench
Tella (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's friendly against Newcastle, according to the club.
Analysis: Tella had not been match fit for the earlier friendly against Sevilla, only walking out with the team during the introductions at the time, so his inclusion on the matchday squad here marks a step forward. He missed 28 official matches last season due to injury, a difficult stretch that coincided with Leverkusen missing out on Champions League qualification, and his continued progress will be worth tracking as he builds back toward full fitness under new coach Carles Martinez.
Not match fit yet
Tella is not match fit for Saturday's friendly against Sevilla, though he will walk out with the team during the introductions, according to the club.
Analysis: Tella missed 28 official matches last season due to injury, a difficult stretch that coincided with Leverkusen missing out on Champions League qualification. His participation in the pregame introductions despite not being ready to play is a positive gesture as he continues building back toward full fitness, with his return to actual match action expected as preseason progresses under new coach Carles Martinez.
Makes squad sheet, fit to play
Tella (undisclosed) makes the squad sheet and is fit to play in Saturday's friendly against SF Baumberg, the club posted.
Analysis: Tella missed 28 official matches last season due to injury, a difficult stretch that coincided with Leverkusen missing out on Champions League qualification. His inclusion for the preseason friendly follows recent comments in which he described himself as fully recovered and in strong form, and a healthy return positions him to push for a regular role in the attack under new coach Carles Martinez heading into the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Recovered, in strong form
Tella (undisclosed) has recovered from his injuries and appears to be in strong form heading into preseason, according to the player, per Bild. "I feel good now. I've been able to recover and get back in shape."
Analysis: Tella missed 28 official matches last season due to injury, a stretch that also coincided with Leverkusen missing out on Champions League qualification, and the winger described the period as difficult. Coach Carles Martinez reportedly called Tella during the offseason to discuss the frustrations of last season and express confidence in getting the best out of him. Tella is expected to push for a regular role after saying he feels fully recovered and is aiming to avoid the fitness setbacks that disrupted his previous campaign.
Ruled out for season finale
Tella (undisclosed) has been ruled out of Saturday's season finale against Hamburger, according to coach Kasper Hjulmand.
Analysis: Tella ends the season with one goal, four assists, 30 crosses and 12 tackles across 17 Bundesliga appearances including 10 starts, having been a useful attacking option for Leverkusen when available before the muscular issue disrupted the final stretch of his campaign. Montrell Culbreath is expected to continue on the right flank in his absence for the final fixture of the Werkself's season.
Muscular issue rules him out
Tella (undisclosed) is ruled out of Saturday's clash against Stuttgart due to muscular problems, the club posted.
Analysis: Tella's absence forces a reshuffle in Leverkusen's attack for the penultimate fixture of the season, with Christian Kofane stepping into the front line in his place. The club will hope the muscular issue proves minor enough to have him available for next week's season finale against Hamburger, with Leverkusen keeping a close eye on his condition over the coming days before making any decisions on his involvement in the final fixture of the campaign.
Assists and scores
Tella had an assist and scored a goal while taking four shots (three on goal), crossing three times (one accurate) and creating three chances during Saturday's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Tella set up Patrik Schick fot the opening goal in the 25th minute before scoring himself in the 45th. The attacker has combined for three goal involvements, 10 shots, seven chances created and nine crosses over his last three starts.
Provides one assist
Tella assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 win against 1. FC Koln.
Analysis: Tella played a direct role in Saturday's 2-1 win over Koln, delivering a left-sided cross in the second half that Patrik Schick stabbed home at the back post to double the lead and effectively settle the Rhine derby, while adding two key passes, two crosses and one interception. Tella has now registered three assists across 16 Bundesliga appearances this season, contributing consistently in a supporting attacking role during their Champions League qualification push.
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