Werder Bremen will be without forward Salim Musah for several months. The 20-year-old suffered a severe muscle tear in his left thigh while playing for Germany's U20 national team, the club announced on Tuesday.
Head coach Daniel Thioune confirmed the long-term absence. "This is incredibly bitter for Salim and I feel terribly sorry for him," Thioune said. The medical departments of Werder and the German FA (DFB) are coordinating the next steps in his treatment. "We will support Salim as best we can on his way back," the coach added.
Why the absence hurts
The loss comes as Werder sit eighth in the Bundesliga with seven points from four matches. Musah, who was deliberately not sent out on loan this summer to continue his development at the club, had made three substitute appearances in the league this season. He scored his first Bundesliga goal last term. His absence exacerbates attacking options, with Justin Njinmah also out long-term and midfielder Jens Stage missing.
The squad must cope without him for a tough away fixture on October 9th, when Werder travel to face current league leaders Borussia Dortmund. Recent form of three wins, one draw and one loss from the last five competitive games offers some optimism.
This story first appeared at Frühes-Tor.de
