SV Werder Bremen will be back in action in the Bundesliga, as they travel to face VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday evening (17:30 CEST). Head coach Ole Werner spoke about which players will be available this weekend and previewed the upcoming match during today's pre-game press conference.
With the international break behind them, the Green-Whites will be shifting their focus to the task at hand: namely, taking points home with them from Wolfsburg this weekend. SVW have won twice on their travels already this term, most recently coming from behind to win 4-3 at TSG Hoffenheim.
Werder will be without Justin Njinmah, Milos Veljkovic and Niklas Stark this weekend, as well as Jens Stage and Skelly Alvero, who both picked up injuries in team training. "Jens suffered a painful bruise to the calf, while Skelly is dealing with a knee issue – his meniscus isn't seriously damaged, but it's painful," Werner explained.
Despite the long list of absentees, the head coach remains confident that his side are well set up for Sunday's match. "We need to stick together, and this is a chance for others to prove themselves. The lads that will be on the pitch will have our full confidence," the 36-year-old said, giving some insight into the alternative options at his disposal. "Leo Bittencourt will most likely play, barring any unexpected changes. He knows what it's like to come in when needed and I have no doubts that he will be able to help us out."
????️ Werner ahead of #wobsvw:
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) October 18, 2024
"It will be a hard-fought game, which we need to be prepared for. Wolfsburg look to attack quickly and efficiently. Our approach won't change: We will continue to look for solutions in every phase of the match." #werderpic.twitter.com/4QjE0Wy2cD
The Wolves are yet to win at home this season, with Werner's side still unbeaten on their travels. "The key will be for us to be ready for what's awaiting us and to win those all-important one-v-ones, as VfL have a lot of individual quality in their ranks. Although this hasn't really been reflected in their results so far, they are a very compact side. We will need to find our way into the game and take the chances we create. Our recent matches have shown that small details can make the difference," Werner explained.
