Question marks over Bayer newcomer Tillman, Andrich new captain?

Bayer Leverkusen's new signing Malik Tillman is still a long way off. The Werkself will likely be led by Robert Andrich in the future.

How serious is Tillman's injury really? That's what Bayer fans are asking themselves after the 23-year-old missed his third consecutive friendly match on Tuesday. Officially, the midfielder, whom the Werkself signed from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, was absent due to a "minor strain reaction from training."

However, statements by Leverkusen's new coach Erik ten Hag following the 3-0 friendly win against SC Pisa sparked further speculation. Asked when Tillman would be available for the first time, the Dutchman said: "Unfortunately, I can't say. We'll have to see how it works day by day. But I'm sure he won't be there on Friday." Bayer's final preseason friendly against Club World Cup winners Chelsea is scheduled for Friday evening.

When asked if it was anything more serious, the 55-year-old replied: "We don't think so, but we'll have to wait and see how it develops." But Ten Hag left open what exactly Tillman has: "Unfortunately, I can't say either, I'm not allowed to."

Tillman, who signed a contract with the Werkself until 2030, joined the team late, as he was on vacation after participating in the Gold Cup with the US national team and therefore missed the training camp in Brazil. He started on the bench for the first time in the friendly against VfL Bochum over a week ago.

Bayer recently announced that the new signing would take over Florian Wirtz's number 10 jersey. The 23-year-old is expected to fill the gap in attacking midfield. According to media reports, Tillman cost the Bundesliga club around €35 million in transfer fees, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.

In contrast to Tillman, things are going brilliantly for Robert Andrich at Leverkusen at the moment. Signs are increasing that the 30-year-old will be the new captain of the runners-up.

"Certain media outlets are already claiming that. I haven't heard it officially myself yet, so I'm still pretty quiet about it," Andrich said after the test against Pisa, adding: "Being captain is always an honor and an honor."

The midfielder wore the armband again against Pisa. "He's doing very well in his role, very naturally. I'm very pleased with what he's doing on the pitch, but also with what he's doing in the dressing room," said ten Hag: "He's a really strong leader. And we need that."

Following the departures of Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, and Florian Wirtz, a new hierarchy must be formed at the Werkself. Lukas Hradecky was previously captain – but the goalkeeper is also facing a departure. This was confirmed by sporting director Simon Rolfes, whose desk is increasingly piled high with unfinished tasks. Nevertheless, he promised: "This squad will have the aspiration to be a top-four player, but certainly with room for improvement."

To achieve this season's goal, ten Hag had already unequivocally called for "four to five" new stars before the successful friendly against Pisa. While the coffers are bulging with more than €200 million in transfer revenue, the market currently appears difficult. And, the coach also made it clear: It's not just quantity that's needed, "we also need quality."

A lot of work for Rolfes and his team, and very little time left. Bayer's competitive campaign begins on August 15th in the first round of the DFB Cup against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. One week later, the Werkself host TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the Bundesliga kickoff.

Our sources:

• News agencies SID and dpa
• Interviews at the season opening

• WDR
• Bayer Leverkusen
• Bundesliga
• football
• Robert Andrich