Mitchell Weiser is back in Werder Bremen’s squad after more than 14 months out with a cruciate ligament injury. The 32-year-old has returned with a goal, but his contract still expires this summer.
- Weiser made his competitive return in Werder’s 1-1 draw with 1. FC Köln in mid-September.
- The Troisdorf-born wide player had spent around 14 months recovering from a cruciate ligament tear.
- He described the rehabilitation as a mental as well as physical test, with constant concern over how his knee and body felt.
- Weiser also said he had to deal with private difficulties during the lay-off, without giving details.
- His winner against FC Augsburg released the emotion built up through months of recovery. He called it “an explosion” of effort, tears, sweat and belief.
- During the international break, Weiser started in Werder’s 7-0 defeat at Twente Enschede.
- His Bremen deal runs out at the end of the season. Weiser said he has given the issue “0.0 per cent” thought for now.
What it changes in the Bundesliga week
Weiser gives Werder another experienced option on the flank as league leaders Borussia Dortmund await on Friday night. Kick-off is at 20:30.
The defender has framed his comeback as a personal reset rather than simply an injury return. He believes the difficult period has moved him forward in life and may also improve him as a player. For Bremen, the immediate value is simpler: another senior player is available again after a long absence.
