Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella has resumed training with Bayer Leverkusen as he works towards full recovery ahead of their Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
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Tella, who featured in Leverkusen's goalless draw against Bayern Munich, suffered a hip injury that ruled him out of their recent 2-0 victory over Holstein Kiel in the DFB-Pokal. During his absence, Moroccan forward Amine Adli stepped up with a goal and an assist, while Patrick Schick also played a key role in securing the win.
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According to BILD via Ligainsider.de, Tella participated in team training but did not complete the full session, opting for individual drills towards the end. It remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to make the squad for the upcoming league fixture.
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His return would be a significant boost for Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, as Tella has been a key part of the squad this season. The 25-year-old has made 30 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists.
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Beyond club football, Tella will also be hoping to regain full fitness in time to compete for a place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
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Editorial

Nathan Tella's return to training is a welcome development for Bayer Leverkusen as they continue their strong Bundesliga campaign. His versatility and work rate have made him a valuable asset for Xabi Alonso’s team, and his absence was felt in their recent matches.
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Injury setbacks are always frustrating for players, especially in a season where consistency is crucial. Tella's numbers this season may not be spectacular, but his ability to press, create chances, and provide width makes him an important part of Leverkusen’s attacking setup. If he is fit for the Frankfurt game, it will be interesting to see how Alonso reintegrates him into the squad, particularly given the recent performances of Amine Adli and Patrick Schick.
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For Nigeria, Tella’s return is equally significant. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, competition for places in the Super Eagles squad is heating up. His ability to play across multiple attacking positions gives Nigeria more tactical flexibility, making his fitness a key talking point ahead of the international break.

The next step for Tella is ensuring he remains injury-free for the rest of the season. If he can regain his rhythm, he could play a crucial role in both Leverkusen’s title push and Nigeria’s qualification campaign.

Did You Know?

Nathan Tella was born in England but switched allegiance to play for Nigeria in 2023.
He joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in 2023 after impressing in the Championship with [Burnley](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/player-health-and-injuries/).
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen are currently among the strongest teams in the Bundesliga, challenging for the title.
Tella has played in multiple attacking positions, including winger and attacking midfield.
Bayer Leverkusen has never won the Bundesliga title, with their best finish being second place on five occasions.