SV Werder Bremen will not have a full squad available for Saturday’s first-round DFB-Pokal game against VfL Osnabrück (07/08/2021, 15:30 CEST). Despite Nicolai Rapp, Abdenego Nankishi and Anthony Jung all returning to the squad, Yuya Osako, Kevin Möhwald and Niklas Schmidt are all doubts.
“Kevin Möhwald is still dealing with a foot problem, which means that he will not be able to feature this weekend,” head coach Markus Anfang said during the pre-match press conference on Thursday. “Yuya Osako didn’t train all week due to an adductor issue and will able not be able to feature.” As for Niklas Schmidt, the midfielder picked up a knock during training on Wednesday. “He completed the warm-up today, but then went back inside," Anfang said. "We will need to wait and see if he will be fit enough to make the matchday squad.”
Ludwig Augustinsson (only completed one full week of training so far) and Milos Veljkovic (not taken part in full training after quarantine spell) are not available for selection yet. Leonardo Bittencourt (partial MCL rupture) and Stefans Kapino (hip and knee issues) will both miss out due to injury. “Of course every coach is hoping to have a well-rehearsed squad,” Anfang said. “But, injuries are an opportunity for other players to prove themselves. We will be able to see on Friday which players will be part of the final matchday squad, but we will put together a strong squad in order to reach the next round.”
Following the birth of his son last weekend, Anthony Jung has returned to training this week. Abdenego Nankishi and Nicolai Rapp also featured in all parts of team training. All three “should be an option” for Saturday’s game, according to Anfang.
