Werder Bremen kicks off pre‑season on Friday, and two surprising faces join the first training session. The initial stars arrive at the Weserstadion, including Denmark international Jens Stage (29) and Estonia defender Karl Hein (24), who will train with the squad despite recent World Cup duties.

Who is in the Werder start?

Alongside Stage and Hein, departure candidates Skelly Alvero (24) and Dawid Kownacki (29) report for the first session – both are likely to leave the Osterdeich soon. New signings Chuki (22), Kenny Quetant (19) and Dariusz Stalmach (20) are also ready to prove themselves. Cedric Itten (29) stays with Switzerland for the World Cup and joins after the Austrian training camp (20‑26 July).

Why the delayed preparation?

The World Cup shifted the usual schedule, so coach Daniel Thioune (51) runs the first performance tests on Friday. Without extra leave for Stage and Hein, the team must start at a high level immediately. Austrians Romano Schmid (26) and Marco Friedl (28) also return on 27 July after their tournament commitments.

Injured and returning players

Long‑term injuries keep Mitchell Weiser (32) and Julian Malatini (24) training individually before a gradual reintegration. Niklas Stark (31) battles hip issues – his load capacity remains uncertain. If the transfer of Oskar Wojcik (22, Cracovia) finalises in the coming days, he could join the start as well.

How does Werder stand right now?

Werder currently sits 15th in the Bundesliga with 32 points from 34 games (8 wins, 8 draws, 18 losses) and a recent form of L L L D W. The club has scored 37 goals, conceded 60, leaving a –23 goal difference, and trails league leaders Bayern Munich by 57 points.

What’s next?

Saturday brings the second training session, where young talents Patrice Covic (19) and Mick Schmetgens (18) will join after the U‑19 European Championship. Additional names such as Markus Kolke, Stefan Smarkalev, Felix Agu, Olivier Deman, Amos Pieper, Karim Coulibaly, Luca Höcker, Senne Lynen, Darwin Soylu, Samuel Mbangula, Marco Grüll, Justin Njinmah and Salim Musah are also in the squad. The next weeks will decide the starting eleven for the 2026/27 season.