After undergoing a meniscus surgery at the end of July following the Copa America final, Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios returned to team training on Tuesday without any restrictions.

The 25-year-old, who was an integral part of Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten domestic campaign last season, is yet to feature for Die Werkself this season. As reported by kicker, the Argentine could be an option to start in midfield alongside Granit Xhaka against Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive problems

Bayer Leverkusen have already conceded seven goals in their opening four games across all competitions (two against Stuttgart in the DFL Supercup, and five against RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach) this season, and have struggled defensively.

With Aleix García, who has started three out of four Leverkusen games this season, the reigning champions don’t look as strong defensively. Without a six, such as Palacios, Die Werkself are losing their one-on-one duels in midfield, which was evident against RB Leipzig who ended the club’s unbeaten domestic run.

Palacios’ strong defensive abilities

According to FBRef, Palacios is in the 94^th percentile for tackles (3.25 per 90) across Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days and was averaging 4.38 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Bundesliga last season.

Although it’s a risk to play Palacios so soon after recovering from knee surgery, the Argentine’s return to the first team, whether that’s against Hoffenheim or not, will be key for Die Werkself.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder