Alonso looking forward to top match: "Like Champions League"

Bayer Leverkusen's master coach Xabi Alonso is completely relaxed after the transfer drama surrounding his defensive boss Jonathan Tah. "He's 100 percent fit and ready. He was already our best player in the cup game in Jena. He'll play from the start," explained the Bayer coach ahead of the top clash with RB Leipzig on Saturday evening (6.30pm/Sky). Leverkusen had been worried about a transfer of the international to FC Bayern Munich until the very end, before the move was finally off the table on Friday.

Kovar remains in goal

The squad is now complete following the departure of Odilon Kossounou to Atalanta Bergamo and the arrival of Nordi Mukiele, who moved to the Rhine from Paris Saint-Germain and will face his former club Leipzig on Saturday. Alonso confirmed that Mukiele is definitely part of the squad after two days of training. Not yet back is goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who has been ill and will again be replaced by Matej Kovar.

Alonso is looking forward to the match against the rivals, who were narrowly beaten 3-2 twice last season. "It's our first home game, it will be a great atmosphere. It's like a Champions League game tomorrow," said the Leverkusen coach.