Robert Andrich
B04
Center Midfielder
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Sep 22, 1994 (32)
Right
6'2"
183 lb
Available for Hoffenheim clash
Andrich (personal) will be available for Sunday's Bundesliga encounter against Hoffenheim after missing Thursday's 2-0 Europa League victory over OFI Crete following the birth of his child, according to coach Carles Martinez. "If everything goes as planned, he will be ready on Sunday."
Analysis: Andrich appears set to return to Leverkusen's matchday squad after receiving permission to miss Thursday's European fixture for personal reasons. The 32-year-old defender remained with his family following the birth of his child, with coach Martinez expressing full support for his decision and confirming that everything had gone well. Andrich had already participated in training Wednesday and is expected to rejoin his teammates Friday, leaving him on track to feature against Hoffenheim. Although coach Martinez stopped short of guaranteeing his availability, there are no fitness concerns preventing the experienced defender from returning to competitive action. Andrich should therefore be in contention for a starting role Sunday, with his involvement depending on his return to regular training and the coaching staff's selection decisions.
Scores early in victory
Andrich scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 4-3 win over Mainz.
Analysis: Andrich made an immediate impact with a strike from the edge of the penalty area before helping preserve Leverkusen's lead with a clearance off the line. Other than that, he won 80 percent of his individual duels during the match. It was a strong response after an inconsistent initial stretch, with the midfielder making his second start of the campaign, as well as his first in the Bundesliga competition. He remains in contention with Ezequiel Fernandez, who may have been managed after traveling for international duty. Still, the performance gives Andrich a stronger case for continued minutes in defensive midfield.
Returns to bench
Andrich (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's season opener against Elversberg.
Analysis: Andrich returned to full team training after completing Tuesday's session following the thigh muscle issue he suffered in a friendly against Sevilla on Aug. 8, recovering in time to earn a spot in the squad for the season opener. The midfielder had been forced to miss the remainder of preseason and the DFB-Pokal opener, and Leverkusen opted to ease him back carefully with a bench role rather than throwing him straight into competitive action.
Back in team training
Andrich (thigh) is back in team training with Bayer Leverkusen after completing Tuesday's full session, according to ksta.
Analysis: Andrich had been sidelined since Aug. 8 with a thigh muscle issue suffered in a friendly against Sevilla, forcing him to miss the remainder of preseason and the DFB-Pokal opener. His return to full team training is an encouraging step toward a comeback, though he may need additional time before being ready for competitive action.
No structural damage found
Andrich was found to have no structural damage following his 76th-minute substitution in Saturday's win over Sevilla, the club announced.
Analysis: Andrich contributed two goals along with 43 tackles, 33 interceptions and 81 clearances last season, splitting time between midfield and center back. He will train individually over the coming days and will miss the upcoming trip to England, where Leverkusen face Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. Andrich is expected to be reintegrated into full training once his individual work concludes.
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