At Werder’s final training session in the ‘Estadio Santiago Bernabeu’ ahead of their Tuesday evening UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid, the Green-Whites were without German international defender Per Mertesacker. Werder coach Thomas Schaaf explained: “Per began to feel un-well yesterday evening and has been suffering with a stomach bug. He was unable to train with the team and remained in the hotel.” ‘Merte’s’ involvement against Real is now hanging in the balance but the trainer is hopeful that his man will be fit and healthy again by Tuesday: “We’ll see early tomorrow morning if he’s okay or if we’ll be dealing with a further absentee.”

The other 17 players from the Werder squad were able to take part in the session at Real’s stunning stadium and that alone is an inspiration to motivate many players. Werder captain Frank Baumann commented: “The fact is that as a player, there are a number of stadiums you want to play in – the Bernabeu is one of them.”