Tella’s injury is minor, confirms Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has eased concerns over the injury sustained by Nigerian midfielder Nathan Tella during their 3-1 Bundesliga victory against TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday. Tella was substituted in the first half after picking up a knock and was replaced by Emi Buendía.

The 25 year old, who has been in excellent form for Leverkusen, has contributed two goals and one assist in his last ten league appearances, making him an essential part of Alonso’s squad. At a press conference ahead of their upcoming DFB Pokal match against FC Köln, Alonso assured reporters that the injury is minor, saying, “It’s not that bad. We hope he’ll be there on Wednesday.”

Tella is eager to return to full fitness to maintain his place in Leverkusen’s starting lineup and bolster his chances of earning a call up to Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Despite his versatility and strong performances, he was overlooked during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

The Super Eagles, currently fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifying campaign with three points from four matches, are struggling to close the gap on leaders Rwanda and South Africa. If Tella continues his impressive form at the club level, he could provide the much needed boost Nigeria needs in the upcoming qualifiers.

Editorial

We believe Xabi Alonso’s reassurance about Nathan Tella’s fitness is welcome news, not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for Nigerian football. Tella’s versatility and recent contributions to his club make him an asset that the Super Eagles cannot afford to overlook as they navigate their World Cup qualification challenges.

The injury scare highlights the delicate balance between player availability and team success. With the Super Eagles facing significant pressure, integrating in-form players like Tella could be the spark needed to revive their campaign. His ability to play across multiple positions provides tactical flexibility, something Nigeria’s coaching staff should consider as they look to turn things around.

On Leverkusen’s side, Alonso’s management of Tella’s recovery will be crucial to ensuring the player’s long-term availability. Minor injuries can escalate if not managed properly, but if Tella returns quickly and without complications, he could continue to thrive as a key figure in both domestic and international competitions.

We hope this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive care and proper squad rotation, particularly as the season progresses. Both club and country will need to carefully manage Tella’s workload to maximise his performance.

Did You Know?

1. Tella’s Southampton roots Before joining Bayer Leverkusen, Tella developed his skills at Southampton, where he made his Premier League debut.
2. Bayer Leverkusen’s recent form The team has been performing well under Xabi Alonso, making a push for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
3. Nigeria’s World Cup qualification struggles The Super Eagles have only three points from four matches, putting them in a difficult position in Group C.
4. Tella’s versatility Known for his adaptability, Tella can play as a winger, midfielder, or forward, making him a valuable option for managers.
5. Xabi Alonso’s managerial impact The former Real Madrid and Liverpool star has impressed since taking charge at Leverkusen, with his tactical adjustments leading to notable improvements.