Mitchell Weiser is on the verge of a Werder Bremen comeback after 490 days out injured. Head coach Daniel Thioune expects to be able to use the 32-year-old winger again as early as the next home match against FC Augsburg on September 19, as the 52-year-old told Bild Sport.
Weiser missed the entire previous season due to a cruciate ligament rupture. Last week he completed full team training for the first time. "In the past week we still involved him occasionally as a neutral player or reduced the training volumes. That is no longer the case," said Thioune. The veteran is not yet eligible to play for the away game at 1. FC Köln on September 12.
When can Weiser help Werder?
Thioune's plan is to initially use Weiser as an offensively oriented substitute. "We had looked towards the international break. But it could be that he is already back for the next home game against Augsburg," the Werder coach stated. This option gains importance as Werder is currently missing several attacking players. The injury list includes top scorer Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah and Eren Dinkçi, among others.
Daniel Thioune's team sits in tenth place in the Bundesliga with three points after two matchdays. The goal difference is 4:5. Werder already trails league leaders FC Augsburg by three points. The squad list lineup and all injury data can be viewed on our squad page.
What role does Weiser play in the squad list?
The experienced winger can operate both on the right flank and in central midfield. Before his injury, he was an important figure in the promotion campaign four years ago under former coach Ole Werner. Despite the long absence, the club had maintained its contract offer, a sign of confidence in the 32-year-old's qualities.
In his absence, other players have established themselves. Marco Grüll delivered an outstanding performance against RB Leipzig. On the defensive wing, 23-year-old Arthur is expected to start. In midfield, Senne Lynen, Dariusz Lynen and Stalmach are competing for places. Manager Clemens Fritz is watching the returnee's development with keen interest.
What is Werder's current situation?
The injury situation remains tense. In addition to Stage, Njinmah and Dinkçi, Felix Agu and Senne Lynen are also absent. These absences strain the rotation, especially in the upcoming phase with midweek games. The complete overview of the next fixtures can be found in the fixtures schedule.
The direct duel next Saturday in Cologne gains additional importance as a result. The opponent is level on points in eleventh place. A win could push Werder up the mid-table ranks. The current league standings are always up-to-date under standings.
Mitchell Weiser completed another full training session with the team on Thursday and is preparing for his potential comeback in exactly twelve days.
