Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kennet Eichhorn hospitalized with metabolic disease

Seventeen‑year‑old Kennet Eichhorn, Bayer Leverkusen’s most‑valued youth prospect, has been admitted to a specialist clinic after doctors diagnosed a metabolic disorder that caused him to lose five kilograms in five days following a stomach‑flu infection. The club said the recovery timeline is uncertain and that Eichhorn will miss several weeks of preseason training, with no specific return date set.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes stressed that the club will prioritise Eichhorn’s long‑term health over a rapid comeback. His absence creates a gap in Leverkusen’s midfield, prompting the club to reconsider the roles of senior players such as Robert Andrich, Equi Fernandez and Aleix Garcia, and opening a potential opportunity for national‑team players to fill the void.

The situation highlights the impact of health issues on squad planning and the club’s cautious approach to player development.