Leverkusen's Equi Fernández omitted from squad for disciplinary breach

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Equi Fernández was left out of the squad for the club's 2-1 Bundesliga victory over 1.FC Köln due to a disciplinary breach, according to coach Kasper Hjulmand. The 23-year-old Argentine, who joined the club last summer, was absent from the matchday roster after breaking an unspecified team rule, with Hjulmand confirming the omission was a direct consequence of his actions.

Speaking to German outlet BILD after the derby win, Hjulmand addressed the situation. "It was a disciplinary situation. We talked about it. I spoke with Equi a lot," the coach said. He suggested that cultural differences may have played a role, stating, "Sometimes it's also a cultural issue. It's just a question of understanding. It was normal that there would be consequences, which is why he wasn't in the squad."

Hjulmand indicated that the matter has been discussed internally and that a pathway back to the team exists for the player. "He knows the situation. The right response will be for him to return to the squad. That's the situation," the 54-year-old added. The incident casts a shadow over what has already been a challenging debut season in Germany for Fernández.

The young midfielder has struggled to establish himself at the BayArena since his arrival, managing only 982 minutes of Bundesliga football. His adaptation has been hampered by a combination of injuries and inconsistent form, limiting his impact on a Leverkusen side that has been competitive at the top end of the table. His absence against Köln, a game where he might have hoped to feature, underscores his current standing.

For Leverkusen, the handling of the situation reflects Hjulmand's emphasis on squad discipline and internal standards, even as the team secured a crucial three points. The club will now be looking for Fernández to learn from the episode and reintegrate successfully. For the player, the immediate focus will be on regaining the coach's trust and finding a way to contribute more substantially in the remainder of the campaign, with his long-term future at the club potentially hinging on his response.