"We still have hope" – Hjulmand gives update on Tella ahead of St. Pauli clash

After playing a key role in Kasper Hjulmand’s first game in charge of Bayer Leverkusen – a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt – Nathan Tella has missed the last two matches due to a knee problem.

Tella could now potentially return to the squad for Saturday’s clash with St. Pauli, with Hjulmand confirming at his pre-match press conference that a late decision will be made on the 26-year-old.

“We still have hope. We’ll have to see today,” Hjulmand said when asked about Tella, adding:

“It’s important to have a player of his type, and he performed very well against Frankfurt with his runs in behind.”

Exequiel Palacios, Alejo Sarco and Martin Terrier are the only confirmed absentees for Leverkusen ahead of Saturday’s game.