Claudio Pizarro was one of the most sought-after men on and off the pitch - on the training grounds by teammates looking to pass into the area and on the sidelines by fans of the Werder striker. Fans asked for a picture here and an autograph there with Pizarro even asked to sign the rear of a scooter. Then as one of the last players he finally went through the door to the changing room. Pizarro had survived his first day of team training after his strain from the Hannover match.

"I am not yet at 100 percent again but the training did well and I didn't have any problems with the muscle," the South American told WERDER.TV.

Prödl still out, Kroos takes break, Boenisch makes steps

Pizarro's teammate Clemens Fritz was also back as the 30-year-old returned from his minor calf problems from Wednesday. Sebastian Prödl meanwhile sat out of training but hopes to be back on Friday. Denni Avdic also had to miss out with a hip irritation. Christian Vander for his part slightly toned down the training intensity from the past three days and would like to be back at team training on Friday. Wesley however is still far away from that. The Brazilian is completing right now a modified training program and is slowly moving toward full burden. His compatriot and teammate Samuel had to sit out with muscular problems in the pelvis region. And Werder head coach Thomas Schaaf will definitely have to do without youth talent Felix Kroos on Sunday at home against Bayer Leverkusen as the midfielder is dealing with a thigh muscle problem.

Somewhat better news came about Sebastian Boenisch. "The healing process is going very well," said the full back, who is daily working on a comeback with Werder's rehab area. "I can already do light drills with the ball and I feel good," said the 24-year-old, who has already made the next small step towards returning to team training.