SV Werder Bremen’s squad situation ahead of Fortuna Düsseldorf away is similar to the one ahead of last weekend’s opening game. Five players will definitely not be available for selection: Nicolai Rapp, Ludwig Augustinsson, Milos Veljkovic, Jiri Pavlenka and Leonardo Bittencourt. Anthony Jung is also a doubt for Saturday night’s encounter.
For Rapp (muscular problems), Augustinsson (delayed start to training and vaccine reaction) and Veljkovic (quarantine), it is too soon for an appearance on Saturday. Bittencourt (partial rupture of the right knee ligament) and Pevlenka (back problems) are both out injured. "Pavlas is increasing the workload bit by bit. It looks good at the moment, but we need to wait and see," said Clemens Fritz, head of first team football and scouting.
Anthony Jung will also most-likely not be available in Düsseldorf. The centre-back is soon to become a father and has travelled in anticipation of the birth. As for Eren Dinkci, Abdenego Nankishi, Stefanos Kapino and Kevin Möhwald, whose voluntary self-isolation is over, a place in Saturday’s squad is still open. "We need to see how they all cope with the workload from the last two training sessions," said Anfang at the pre-match press conference.
Marco Friedl will feature in the squad again. "He is someone who would help us from the start as well," said Anfang, referring to the Austrian defender, who returned to Werder training later than the others due to his participation at the EUROs.
