Leverkusen is including the 16-year-old in the squad for the game against Salzburg due to injury problems

Bayer Leverkusen’s injury crisis has prompted Xabi Alonso to name three young players in his squad for the Champions League game against RB Salzburg. One of them is 16-year-old Ben Hawighorst.

Since six players are currently unavailable, Bayer Leverkusen only have 13 outfield players available from the first team for Tuesday’s Champions League game against RB Salzburg.

A total of five young players took part in the German champions’ final training before the game.

And as Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso revealed in his pre-match press conference, three of these players will be in the squad for Tuesday’s game.

Two of them, midfielder Francis Onyeka and striker Artem Stepanov, both 17, were also in the squad against Heidenheim at the weekend, while 16-year-old central defender Ben Hawighorst was called up for the first time.

Although Xabi Alonso is without Martin Terrier, Victor Boniface, Jeanuel Belocian, Nordi Mukiele, Jonas Hofmann and Amine Adli, he is trying to stay positive.

“Playing every two to three days is very physically demanding for our players. In the current situation we have to make efficient decisions and also be creative. All our players are ready at any time and that’s why I stay positive,” he said.

A positive thing for Leverkusen is that Jeremie Frimpong was available for the 5-2 win against Heidenheim despite an injury. However, it is unclear whether it will take off.