We will be facing plenty of attacking power when we host Bayer Leverkusen at anne Castroper...

Among them is Mergim Berisha, who could become just the fourth Augsburg player to make his debut for the Germany national team. Germany head coach Hansi Flick has called up the 24-year-old for two friendlies against Peru (Saturday, 25th March) and Belgium (Tuesday, 28th March). Maximilian Bauer will also be pulling on a Germany shirt. He has been called up by the Germany U21s for friendlies against Japan (Friday, 24th March) and Romania (Tuesday, 28th March).

Initial reports suggested that Neuer was simply taking extra precautions so as not to rush his return, with an eye on the upcoming 2022 Men’s World Cup, where he’ll want to retain his starting place with Hansi Flick’s Germany squad. However, it’s looking increasingly like a scramble:

There is no greater contrast than the scenes late on Saturday afternoon at the Olympiastadion. While the away fans and players wearing red were celebrating, there was only disappointment in the Blue-Whites camp after a 2-0 defeat to 1. FC Union. “The bottom line is that it is another defeat at home, which is frustrating and disappointing. We had good moments going forward – but either the final ball wasn’t perfect, there was a leg in the way, or the goalkeeper made a good save, there was always something. We have to work hard to get that slice of luck again, pick ourselves up, score goals and win games,” suggested Marco Richter. herthabsc.com has summarised the immediate reaction to the game.

Seven away wins in seven against the Berliners | Leipzig’s threat from set-pieces | Haidara a thorn in Hertha’s side

Homegrown Zerofiver, Niklas Tauer, has extended his contract with Mainz 05. The Mainz native, who came to the FSV youth academy in 2012, signed his first professional contract at the Bruchweg in 2019 and is another example of the successful youth programme at the club. Last season, the 21-year-old made eleven Bundesliga appearances and has developed into a strong defensive all-rounder. Tauer has also represented Germany at U18s, U19s and U20s.

VfB open Matchday 29 away to FC Augsburg on Friday. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß is looking forward to the encounter with a direct rival.

“Unfortunately, my time in Berlin has already come to an end. I have met very nice people here and wish Union every success in the coming season,” said Wszolek.

And a report last week in the Netherlands insisted that Man Utd have approached Van der Sar in an attempt to lure him away from his position as CEO of Ajax.