Tue Nov 26 22:19:34 UTC 2024: ## Leverkusen Field Youth Players in Champions League Clash Against Salzburg
**Leverkusen, Germany** – Facing a crippling injury crisis, Bayer Leverkusen will field three youth players in their crucial Champions League match against RB Salzburg on Tuesday. Six first-team players are currently sidelined, leaving manager Xabi Alonso with just 13 senior outfield players available.
To compensate, five youth players participated in the final training session before the game. Seventeen-year-olds Francis Onyeka and Artem Stepanov, who both featured in the weekend’s win against Heidenheim, will again be in the squad, alongside 16-year-old centre-back Ben Hawighorst, who receives his first Champions League call-up.
The absences include key players like Martin Terrier, Victor Boniface, Jeanuel Belocian, Nordi Mukiele, Jonas Hofmann, and Amine Adli. Despite the depleted squad, Alonso remains optimistic, stating that the situation requires “efficient decisions and creativity.” He confirmed that all available players are ready to contribute.
There is some positive news: Jeremie Frimpong, who sustained a knock against Heidenheim, is available for selection, though his starting position remains uncertain. The match promises to be a significant test for the young Leverkusen players thrust into the spotlight.
First Piper 