Bayer Leverkusen left guessing on Jeanuel Belocian's return after surgery

This minor procedure made Belocian the second Leverkusen player to require surgery in under two weeks, following Amine Adli's recent leg operation.

Manager Xabi Alonso spoke cautiously ahead of their weekend fixture, stating, "We have to wait for the reaction of the surgery and then we will see how quickly he recovers. We decided that this would be the right time for a [surgical] intervention."

Alonso avoided committing to a specific return date for Belocian, but it appeared likely the young defender would miss at least the next three matches, extending into the November international break.

Belocian, a versatile left-back and wingback, showed promise in Leverkusen's early fixtures this season, notably in the DFL Supercup, where he admirably filled in for regular starter Alejandro Grimaldo.

Despite limited playing time with just three starts in six appearances this season, the French defender had gained Alonso's trust and was anticipated to feature more prominently in upcoming matches.

The unexpected surgery means Leverkusen will need to rely on other defensive options as they manage without Belocian, who had been building momentum within the squad.

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