He becomes the latest addition to a list that already includes Schneider, Sinkiewicz, Sarpei, Gresko and Adler - although the keeper did complete a light training session on Thursday. "It's a big blow, because he played well at Stuttgart. But that's the way it is and we'll just have to live with it", head coach Bruno Labbadia said.

Praise for visitors

Schwegler, Henrique and Barnetta are all potential stand-ins for Castro against Hoffenheim. New signing Michal Kadlec meanwhile trained with his future teammates for the first time on Thursday. A few formalities still have to be attended to before he is clear to play on Saturday.

Ahead of the match against the freshly promoted side who are now the only team in the Bundesliga not to have conceded a goal, Labbadia praised the progress made at Hoffenheim: "The club has put in place great foundations and a sensational framework. Money has played its part for sure, but it's down to a good workforce too."

Accordingly, the Bayer coach is not in the least surprised by 1899's strong start to the season under Ralf Rangnick. "They'll pick up a lot more points, but not on Saturday", Labbadia said: "it will be a tough job, but we're Bayer Leverkusen, and we're playing at home."