The Werder players went into training in highly motivated fashion on Friday ahead of their up-coming Bundesliga clash with Armenia Bielefeld. The sight of Ivan Klasnic returning to the fold will have raised trainer Thomas Schaaf’s spirits and gifted the coach with a further alternative up front. Klasnic himself stated: “I am fit!” Whether or not Schaaf adds the Croatian international to his squad will be decided following Saturday’s final training session.

At the same time the coach will be able to make a decision on the availability of Naldo. The central defender incurred a cut to his right shin in a challenge with Boubacar Sanogo in training on Friday. Following a consultation with team doctor Dr. Götz Dimanski, the Brazilian said: “It was just a normal challenge but I do need stitches”. Trainer Thomas Schaaf commented: “We’ll have to wait and see what develops now with Naldo. These kind of challenges occur, even in training. No-one here would ever intentionally attempt to injure another player.”