Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Eliesse Ben Seghir will be sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained to his right thigh. The injury occurred during preparation for a friendly match against SF Baumberg last Saturday, with an MRI scan on Sunday morning confirming the setback for the 21-year-old.
This latest injury represents another challenge for Ben Seghir, who joined the Bundesliga champions from Monaco in August 2025 for a reported €30 million. The Moroccan international has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter in Leverkusen, partially due to fitness concerns.
Last season proved particularly difficult for the young attacker, as he missed ten Bundesliga matches because of an ankle injury. His intermittent availability hampered his ability to build momentum and contribute regularly to Xabi Alonso’s squad, despite Leverkusen’s impressive domestic campaign.
Ben Seghir arrived at the BayArena with a reputation as a promising talent, having broken through at Monaco and demonstrated glimpses of his potential during his time in Ligue 1. He offered pace and trickery, characteristics that initially appealed to Leverkusen as they sought to bolster their attacking options. However, his time in Germany has been marred by these recurring injuries.
The club has not yet specified a timeframe for Ben Seghir’s recovery, stating only that he will be out for the “foreseeable future.” This news presents a further complication for Alonso, who will need to rely on other attacking options as Leverkusen prepares for upcoming commitments. The injury could also impact the club's plans in the transfer window, potentially leading them to explore additional attacking reinforcements.
