Leverkusen's Wirtz set to make early return from injury

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz is set to return "earlier than expected" from an ankle injury, coach Xabi Alonso told reporters on Friday.

Wirtz injured his ankle against Werder Bremen in early March and was initially reported to be sidelined until late April.

But Alonso said the 21-year-old was set to return to the squad next week for Leverkusen's home clash with Union Berlin.

"Flo is partially taking part in training today, a small part of team training. The plan, if all goes well, is for him to be in the squad for next week, but not for tomorrow," Alonso said ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga trip to Heidenheim.

"It's earlier than we expected. He worked hard with our team. We'll see next week. We'll talk again next Friday."

Since Wirtz's injury, Leverkusen have been eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich and lost in the German Cup semi-finals to third-division Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday.

Defending Bundesliga champions Leverkusen sit six points behind league leaders Bayern with seven games to play.