Bayer Leverkusen are in commanding form across two competitions, yet a growing squad crisis threatens to complicate their momentum. The Werkself have won all five of their most recent matches, including a 2-0 victory over OFI Crete in the Europa League and a 2-1 Bundesliga win over then-leaders SC Freiburg. That run has lifted them to fourth in the Bundesliga table with 13 points from six games, level with Freiburg above them.

Beneath the results, though, serious tension is building around Victor Boniface. Sky report that the Nigerian striker has told his agents he wants to leave on loan in January, describing himself as "richtig unzufrieden" at the club. His frustration is understandable: Boniface has managed just five minutes of football this season, and his hopes of rejoining the Europa League squad were dashed when the club nominated Jonas Hofmann to replace the injured Martin Terrier. Hofmann repaid that faith immediately, scoring twice in the first half against OFI Crete. Coach Martinez has publicly called out Boniface's conduct, while sporting director Simon Rolfes offered a more measured response, acknowledging the striker's desire to play while praising his overall attitude in training.

Off the pitch, reports link PSG to creative midfielder Ibrahim Maza, who has six goal contributions in eight appearances this season. Leverkusen are working on an extension, but competition from Barcelona, Arsenal and others is intensifying. The next test arrives Saturday when the Werkself travel to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.