Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso joked Monday he may be forced to return to the pitch amid his side's injury crisis "if they give me a player contract". "If (Bayer Leverkusen CEO) Fernando Carro gives me a player contract,

The fixtures are starting to pile up for Bayer Leverkusen, but so are their injury problems as Xabi Alonso's squad is being stretched thin.

Bayer Leverkusen are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of Tuesday's Champions League home game against RB Salzburg and manager Xabi Alonso stressed that he needs all his players to compete in a packed schedule.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick bagged a hat-trick on Saturday to help the German champion battle back from a two-goal deficit and crush Heidenheim 5-2 in the Bundesliga.

Patrik Schick scored a hat trick and injury-hit Bayer Leverkusen overcame a scare before beating Heidenheim 5-2 in the Bundesliga.

Patrik Schick nods home the header to grab his hat trick to give Bayer Leverkusen a 5-2 lead.