Bayer Leverkusen star striker Florian Wirtz was fit enough to start in Wednesday’s Europa League final as the German champions aim to cap off a memorable season against Atalanta.
Leverkusen are unbeaten in 51 games in all competitions this season and could complete a treble with victory in Dublin and the German Cup final on Saturday.
Wirtz, who scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists, has not started for three weeks due to a muscle injury.
However, the 21-year-old was slotted into Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup as the focal point of Leverkusen’s attack, with forwards Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface remaining on the bench.
Alonso’s other big call comes in goal as Europa League regular Matej Kovar retains his place ahead of captain Lukas Hradecky.
Atalanta are without influential midfielder Marten de Roon due to injury.
The Italians are aiming to win their first trophy in 61 years, after missing out on one just a week ago against Juventus in the Coppa Italia final.
Gianluca Scamacca missed this marquee chance, but his return is a big boost for Atalanta as the Italy international has scored 18 goals this season.
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3)
Matej Kovar; Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba; Josip Stanisic, Granit Xhaka, Ezequiel Palacios, Alex Grimaldo; Jérémie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli
Coach: Xabi Alonso (ESP)
Atalanta (3-4-3)
Juan Musso; Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sean Kolasinac; Davide Zappacosta, Ederson, Teun Koopmeiners, Matteo Ruggeri; Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca, Ademola Lookman
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (ITA)
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROM)
kca/dj
