+++ Fitness test to start the week: The players took part in their second lactate test of the year on Monday. Jannik Vestergaard took part in the session but Franco Di Santo and Levent Aycicek were missing. The duo have muscular problems to took part in individual sessions in the gym. +++

+++Bargfrede still absent: Philipp Bargfrede's back injury has kept him out of the games against FC Augsburg and Schalke 04. "We need to see how he develops on a daily occasion," said assistant coach Torsten Frings. He's likely to be absent for up to a further fortnight. +++

+++ Those who shave, lose: Thomas Eichin and Torsten Frings will not shave their beards until Bremen lose their first match of 2015. The duo are taking inspiration from the NHL, where it is common for players to grow beards throughout the duration of their participation in the end of season play-offs. +++

+++ Last minute goal hero: Sebastian Prödl's header rescued a point for Bremen against Schalke on Saturday. Four of his 10 Bundesliga goals have been scored after the 85th minute, all of which have helped win points for Werder. In February 2011 he levelled the scores against Leverkusen, he grabbed an injury time winner against Hannover in March 2014 as well as scoring late levellers against Bayer 04 and Schalke this campaign. +++