Fans have been eagerly awaiting the comeback of Max Kruse and he provided them with a special display in a friendly match with VfL Osnabrück. Two goals by the 14-time Germany international in the second half decided the game in Werder’s favour. In the opening 45 minutes he had already supplied the assist for Florian Kaintz’ 1-0 opener. “I’ve worked hard to be back on the pitch. It’s simply a good feeling to be back after such a long time,” said Kruse after the game.
Kruse had suffered a knee injury in a Cup game with Sportfreunde Lotte back in August and since then he’s been working on his return. During his comeback, Kruse showed good fitness and often dropped back into midfield to collect the ball. In the first half he failed to convert his only chance, but in the second he was on target twice within a few minutes. Especially his second goal received a lot of cheers from the attending crowd and you could tell after the game that Kruse had dearly missed being on the pitch.
Under loud “Kruse” chants from the travelling Werder fans he was brought off on the hour mark, as another player was also able to make his return to action: Philipp Bargfrede made his first appearance after a nine-month injury break. “I’m happy. I felt good in terms of fitness, although I’ve only had two training sessions with the team. I will still need the next weeks in training and then we shall see,” reported Bargfrede. The 27-year-old showed a hard-working display in defensive midfield as usual and remained in the changing rooms at half time, as he was replaced by Thore Jacobsen from the reserve team.
Claudio Pizarro was also meant to make his return, but the Peruvian striker had suffered minor muscular problems while warming up for the game and thus sidelined as a precautionary measure. Ousman Manneh instead started in attack.
