Mainz 05 have received a timely squad boost ahead of their Bundesliga top-of-the-table clash with Bayer Leverkusen. Head coach Urs Fischer welcomed back a trio of players in training on Tuesday, including centre-back Fabio Gruber, who completed the session without issue. The 60-year-old manager said he could "likely plan with the three returnees". This comes at an opportune moment as Mainz sit sixth with seven points from four games and host their direct rivals from fifth place this Saturday.
Injury updates and options
While Paul Nebel's return from a two-month adductor injury remains uncertain, Fabio Gruber has prioritised the club. The Peruvian international opted out of his national team's matches as a precaution. "The defender called off the Peruvian national team matches, for which Gruber has already played five times, as a precaution," the player said. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner, however, only completed an individual programme on Tuesday. A starting role for Nebel against Leverkusen is not expected after such a long absence.
Widmer's role and defensive concerns
Captain Silvan Widmer, 33, has managed just 17 minutes of action this season after suffering knee problems following his debut against Paderborn. Also, central defender Dominik Kohr is out long-term. The team's current form of three wins from their last five games provides confidence, however. The full schedule of upcoming challenges, including the home match against Leverkusen, can be found on our fixtures page. The full squad list with all available players is viewable under squad.
With Gruber a candidate for the starting lineup, Mainz 05 now focus their preparations on the home fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday at 15:30.
The report in full is at Bild Sport
