Torsten Frings returned to training for Werder Bremen on Monday wearing a protective mask after breaking his nose last week.
The Germany international was ruled out of World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Finland after suffering the injury in a freak accident while playing basketball at a sponsorship event.
However, he intends to be fit to return to the football field next weekend when Bremen host Energie Cottbus in the Bundesliga.
“The mask serves its purpose and there is no restriction – you just have to get used to having something on your face which itches now and again,” said the midfielder.
“I have the whole week to get used to it. I will be able to play on Saturday. I don’t even know if I will actually need this mask.”
Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf welcomed Frings’ optimism, but said the mask would be staying on at the weekend, even if his vice-captain felt he did not need it.
“Wearing the mask is a precautionary measure because the break is not yet fully healed,” he explained.
“The nose still has to be protected a little.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Naldo is also back in training and Peter Niemeyer should be available at the weekend.
Aaron Hunt is unlikely to be fit, though. The Germany Under-21 international returned to Bremen early from international duty due to a calf strain.
source: goal.com
