Emre Can was supposed to be sitting alongside Edin Terzic at the press conference prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday (21:00 CET). But Felix Nmecha took his place on the podium instead.

"He's doing pretty well so far," said Terzic of Can, adding: "He felt slightly ill this morning prior to departure. We'll therefore give him a bit of a rest today – in front of you and on the pitch. We're confident that he'll be able to feature tomorrow."

If not, Felix Nmecha is a possible alternative. Speaking generally, the midfielder said: "I'm really looking forward to this match. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. Hopefully we can get a good result tomorrow."

Except for Ramy Bensebaini and Donyell Malen, the full first-team squad is in Madrid: "Donny is unfortunately not with us," sporting director Sebastian Kehl had said prior to departure: "He wasn't ready, he also became a bit infectious. He hasn't been available to us on the last two weekends either. It's a pity. But everyone else is on board." (br)