Mitchell Weiser is on the verge of returning to Werder Bremen's starting line-up. The 32-year-old winger is set to make his first start in a long time against FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday.

Head coach Daniel Thioune is not ruling out the veteran's inclusion. He said the player has the fitness for a certain amount of playing time and is therefore in contention for the starting eleven. Weiser recently announced his return by coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner against FC Augsburg.

The experienced wide player's comeback comes at a key time for Werder, who sit eighth in the Bundesliga table. With nine points from six games and a goalless draw against SC Paderborn 07 behind them, the team is searching for more consistency. The team has scored 12 goals and conceded 12 this season. Their recent form shows one win, three draws and one loss from the last five matches, including the 2-2 draw with Paderborn on Saturday 17 October, in which Niclas Füllkrug scored both goals for Bremen. Facing fifth-placed Mainz away will be a tough test where Weiser's qualities could be key. Thioune added that his strengths on the ball and in duels could help the team in Mainz.

Weiser's last start dates back to 17 May 2025, when Werder beat Heidenheim. Since returning to the pitch after a long injury layoff, he has worked his way back gradually. His return could see Eren Dinkçi displaced on the right flank.

Alongside the positive news on Weiser, there are several absences to note. Senne Lynen is back in the squad after pelvic problems, while Niklas Stark is out with chronic hip and hamstring issues. Long-term injuries continue to rule out Jens Stage, Keke Topp, Salim Musah and Justin Njinmah. Moussa Ndiaye and Felix Agu are also sidelined. This situation highlights the importance of Weiser's return for squad depth.

Werder travel to Mainz with top scorer Niclas Füllkrug, who has six goals in six appearances this season. The last meeting with Mainz in March ended in a 0-2 defeat for Bremen. The match on Saturday 24 October kicks off at 15:30. The team's record stands at two wins, three draws and one loss from their six games.

This story first appeared at Bild Sport