Alonso maintains that Leverkusen is a well-rounded team despite Wirtz’s injury setback.

Bayer Leverkusen is set to demonstrate their versatility against Bayern Munich in the return leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, despite the absence of midfielder Florian Wirtz, who is sidelined for several weeks due to a ligament injury, as stated by coach Xabi Alonso on Monday.

The news of Wirtz’s injury poses a significant setback for the current Bundesliga champions, who are determined to recover from a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of this all-German fixture.

“I’m genuinely saddened for him as he was in peak form,” Alonso expressed during a press conference. “Now is the time to prove that we are a cohesive team capable of moving forward without him.

“Once the match kicks off, anything can happen. This game is our moment to go all in—it’s make or break.”

The 21-year-old Germany international suffered his injury during their recent home defeat to Werder Bremen, where they lost 2-0, and will be unavailable for several weeks, the club confirmed earlier on Monday.

Wirtz has made a significant impact this season, netting nine goals and providing ten assists in the league, alongside six goals in the Champions League. He will also be absent for Germany’s Nations League quarter-finals against Italy on March 20th and 23rd.

Defending champions Leverkusen are also through to the semi-finals of the German Cup.

Alonso acknowledged that overcoming a 3-0 deficit from the first leg against Bayern presents a formidable challenge, but he emphasised the importance of belief, noting that Wirtz’s absence might serve as additional inspiration.

“The first step is for us to believe, and for our supporters to believe from the very outset that it’s achievable,” the coach stated. “This match has added significance. We need to play with heart, passion, and intelligence. We have an opportunity and must fight until the final whistle.

“A significant challenge can lead to an epic outcome. (Wirtz’s injury) could also act as a catalyst, motivating us to fight not only for the match but for Flo as well.”

“The team is convinced we can achieve success for numerous reasons, one being that we have nothing to lose. Every single Bayern supporter believes their team will go through,” Alonso concluded.