Lukimya: End of "unusual situation"

Assani Lukimya went through an entirely new experience with a two-match suspension following his red card against Stuttgart. "I don't really get injured very often and a suspension is very rare for me - so it was really an unusual situation. I didn't have an easy time," said the Werder defender, who is now eligible to play against FC Augsburg. But "Luki" did not slow things down at all despite his break from game action.

"I gave everything I have in training so that I can maintain my level. I cannot just slow down," said the Congolese international. And head coach Thomas Schaaf recognised that. "You could tell that he was aggravated about the break. He was very motivated in training and always looks for his chance," said Schaaf after Wednesday morning training.

Lukimya could make the Green-Whites game roster for the match in Augsburg on Friday 5 October 2012 at 8:30 p.m. The Green-Whites have a crucial stretch over the next four matches with contests in Augsburg and Fürth and home games against Mönchengladbach and Mainz. "If we want to fight for the European spots, then we should really start a little winning streak. And we need to start that in Augsburg," said a focussed Lukimya. And "Luki" is giving his coach every reason that he can be counted upon. "I am not looking back at all and am totally on board. The red card is totally behind me. Now, the only thing that counts is the match in Augsburg," said Lukimya.