League leaders Bayer Leverkusen’s bid for a debut Bundesliga title is likely to hinge on how well Xabi Alonso’s side account for their Africa Cup of Nations absences.

Unbeaten Leverkusen sit four clear of second-placed Bayern, who have a game in hand but need to do without the AFCON-bound Odilon Kossounou, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli.

A fourth, Nigeria striker Victor Boniface, was set to make his AFCON debut but injured his groin in training and will be out until April after undergoing surgery. 

The tournament starts on Saturday and runs until February 11. 

That period includes crucial league fixtures at home to Bayern and away at fourth-placed RB Leipzig, as well as a German Cup quarter-final with in-form Stuttgart. 

Read the full story on the Times of Malta sports website...