Mertesacker back in action

He was directing the men ahead of him in a training match, making sliding tackles, winning challenges and playing decisive passes from the back to open up the opposing defence. Per Mertesacker finally made his return to full team training on Monday afternoon after a lengthy absence.

“Everything went really well, I had no problems. I had an instant feeling for the ball once again – you don’t just lose that. The more delicate things are not so important for my game,” explained the German international later and could summarize his involvement by simply stating: “A good start.”

Head coach Thomas Schaaf joined in with the positive tones of the central defender: “Per made a good start to training.” The lofty defender worked extremely intensively towards making his return: “There is always a huge question mark over the exact moment when a player should return to training, but I think we chose well. I was able to prepare without any pressure and now this relief after such a long time away is proof that all the effort was worth it.”

In July, just one day after his return from holiday following his European Championship involvement, the 23 year old twisted his left knee and had to undergo surgery on his meniscus. Subsequently there were several weeks of intensive work to go through at the rehabilitation clinic in Donaustauf, with DFB physiotherapist Klaus Eder, before returning to Bremen for the final touches. Hopes are now high that Mertesacker could be fit to make an appearance against Cottbus on Saturday.

source: werder.de

One masked man, but no Hunt, as the week’s training begins

Werder Bremen have a masked man in their ranks once again. In recent years both Miroslav Klose and Frank Baumann appeared on the training pitch in protective face masks following nose injuries. This morning it was Torsten Frings who turned up for the training session with a mask to protect his recently operated nose. The German international was very positive about his first session back amongst his team mates.

“The mask does its job and it doesn’t cause any constraint. It’s just a case of getting used to the fact that there is something on your face which tickles a little. I have the whole week to do that though,” said Frings, who is convinced that he will be fit to play a part at the weekend: “I will be able to play on Saturday. I don’t know if I’ll even need the mask for that.”

Trainer Thomas Schaaf has every fate in his vice captain: “Wearing the mask is a precautionary measure because the break is certainly not completely healed and his nose needs some sort of protection. If he can continue to train normally over the coming days, then I expect that he will be involved.”

Central defender Naldo is also optimistic about his chances of being involved against Energie Cottbus, as is Peter Niemeyer, who has recovered from his knee problem and is ready to get back into the thick of things. Unfortunately the situation with Aaron Hunt is not quite as positive. Since his return from training with the German U21 national team, the attacker has been suffering with a calf problem.

source: werder.de