Kai Havertz is available for Bayer Leverkusen's Europa League round of 16 second leg against Rangers on Thursday evening, head coach Peter Bosz has confirmed.
Chelsea maintain hope of signing the 21-year-old before the new Premier League season kicks off next month but the Germany international is set to start against Steven Gerrard’s side having asked to leave the club last month after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The Leverkusen captain has played a full part in training and provided a hint about his inclusion with an Instagram post last night.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Bosz said that Havertz is in the squad and indicated that he will name his strongest XI.
“If I need players tomorrow who may be at risk of being suspended, they will still play,” the head coach said. “Our focus is only on getting through."
Leverkusen lead 3-1 after the first leg, which was played in March, and will face either Internazionale or Getafe in a one-legged quarter-final should they progress. Havertz scored the opening goal at Ibrox from the penalty spot.
Chelsea are the only team at the negotiating table and Havertz is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge but the clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee for one of the continent’s most coveted players.
Leverkusen are not under financial pressure to sell and are looking for north of €90million for their star player. Chelsea’s current valuation is somewhat lower but both are likely to meet somewhere in the middle with Havertz also entering the final year of his deal.
