Sokratis has been wearing the Werder jersey for more than a year and a half now. And he has only been out injured once. After missing the last two weeks due to the flu, the Greek international is finally back in training.

"It was a difficult situation. When you play every match and then have to sit at home and watch the game on TV or in the stadium from the stands, it's very strange," said the defender.

Sokratis returned to training exactly 14 days after his last practice session. "I am doing a lot better and am ready to return. I am happy that I can now help the team again. I have really felt bad the last two weeks, but it seems like half of Europe is sick. Clemens is still down sick," said the centre back, referring to captain Clemens Fritz, for whom a return to training at the moment is out of the question.

Upon his return, Sokratis did not want to speculate if the Green-Whites would be able to finish the season among the international ranks - currently six points away. "We clearly have to think from one game to the next. It is very difficult to reach the qualification for the European competitions because we are a team which plays like a 10th place team one week and a second place team the next. We don't have enough consistency yet to really play for fifth or sixth place," said Sokratis, who has experienced first-hand convincing victories and heartbreaking defeats.

Werder are hoping to finally put together another good game against FC Augsburg. Sokratis meanwhile is in danger of having to sit out again soon should he collect a fifth yellow card. He is a little worried about possibly being suspended for the next game against Gladbach. "Of course you think about it, especially after you just missed two weeks. I don't like it but I will have to be a little more cautious. But I think four yellow cards in 21 appearances for a centre back are not unusual," said the defensive ace.