Eren Dinkci is in line for a potential Werder comeback in the Bundesliga opener at Freiburg. The 24-year-old forward, who recently returned on loan from SC Freiburg, could be in Bremen's matchday squad for the first time this Sunday.
Kicker reported the news on Friday. Coach Daniel Thioune said Dinkci is a candidate for the squad "if he completes final training on Saturday". The winger had been struggling with muscular problems in recent weeks, which caused him to miss the DFB-Pokal match. He has now resumed full team training. He is not yet an option for the starting lineup against Freiburg. Thioune is considering a short substitute appearance at the player's former club.
When could Dinkci play for Werder?
A brief cameo at the Europa-Park Stadion would be a special return for Eren Dinkci. Under normal circumstances, he might still have been in SC Freiburg's squad for the first matchday. Their coach Julian Schuster recently spoke appreciatively about the player. For Werder Bremen, the trip to Freiburg is the first test of a new season following a disappointing 15th place finish in the 2025 final table. The team gathered 32 points from 34 games with a goal difference of 37 scored and 60 conceded.
Thioune values Dinkci's versatility, as he can play on both wings and as a second striker. This flexibility is important for a team that finished 57 points behind champions Bayern Munich last season. Recent form heading into the new campaign, shown by the last five results LLLDW, indicates room for improvement. You can check all upcoming fixtures on our fixtures page.
What does the return mean for the squad?
Dinkci's signing is a key piece for Werder Bremen's attack. After his loan move, he now needs to integrate into the team. His private circumstances are extraordinary. His wife Cinja was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of January, a diagnosis the couple went public with in April. This experience has changed the importance of football in the player's life.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Dinkci is now showing full participation in training. His fitness level will determine his playing time in the coming weeks. For Daniel Thioune's personnel planning, the return is a welcome option. Our squad page provides a complete overview of the team.
What's next for Werder after Freiburg?
The away game against seventh-placed SC Freiburg is the first step into a new season. For Werder Bremen, the task is to address the shortcomings of the previous campaign. The poor goal difference of minus 23 must be improved. Every point from the start counts in the battle for a better league position.
You can track the performance data of the entire league in the current standings. After the match in Freiburg, it will become clearer how far Thioune's team has come. The return of Eren Dinkci could be a positive sign in that process.
