Ibrahim Maza could miss Bayer Leverkusen’s opening Europa League match against Celje after falling ill, raising concerns at the German club and leaving Algeria supporters waiting for an update before the national team’s next camp.
The 20-year-old midfielder was absent from Tuesday’s training session because of a severe cold, according to Bild, and his availability for Wednesday’s match at the BayArena remains uncertain.
Maza has become an increasingly important figure for Leverkusen since the beginning of the season. His progress has continued from the previous campaign, when he started four matches — three in the Bundesliga and one in the German Cup — scoring once and providing two assists.
His development has seen him move beyond the status of a promising young player to become a key part of Leverkusen’s plans. The club rejected the possibility of selling him during the current summer transfer window and reportedly intends to monitor his progress before considering a major transfer next summer.
Maza has also been nominated for the 2026 Golden Boy award, which recognises the best young football talent.
However, his illness now threatens to interrupt his strong start to the campaign. Leverkusen are preparing to face Slovenian side Celje in their first Europa League fixture of the season, and the midfielder’s absence would be a setback for a team relying heavily on his technical ability.
German media reports have described Maza’s possible absence as a significant blow, particularly because Celje are expected to approach the match with a defensive strategy. His performances since the start of the season have made him an important player in Leverkusen’s attacking plans.
Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez said the club would wait before deciding whether Maza could feature.
“Maza did not participate in training on Tuesday because he is ill. We have to, of course, check on his condition; the match will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, at nine o’clock in the evening, so we will monitor his response to treatment and see how he is on Wednesday.”
Although Maza’s absence from training makes a starting role appear unlikely, Martinez has not ruled out the possibility of the Algeria international being involved.
“If he can be on the team list, then of course he will be with us. And if he is able to play, he will participate in the match.”
The final decision is expected to depend on how the player responds to treatment and whether he is fit enough to take part on Wednesday.
Maza’s condition is also being closely watched in Algeria, with the timing of the illness adding to the concern. The national team is preparing for two important matches in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria are scheduled to face Zambia on 25 September before meeting Burundi four days later, on 29 September. The upcoming fixtures mean the Algerian supporters and national team staff will be hoping that Maza’s illness proves to be short-lived and does not prevent him from joining the next camp.
