One after the next, they have slowly returned this week. First Fritz, then Schmitz, Hunt and Ekici. And on Thursday, Greek defender Sokratis (adductors) and striker Nils Petersen (stomach flu) added their names to the list of returnees. "Our personnel situation has eased off a bit," said a pleased head coach Thomas Schaaf ahead of the home match against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday. The 51-year-old coach at times had to make do without 11 players with injuries or illnesses.

Sokratis spent the morning working out individually but then got the okay to return to the later team training. He survived the session without a problem, just like his teammate Petersen. "I hadn't trained in four days and still felt very weak yesterday. But now I don't have any headaches or stomach pain. My goal is to play all of the games this season. I have played 29 games so far, so I certainly won't weaken out down the stretch," said Bremen's striker with a grin.

Aleksandar Ignjovski (gastroenteritis) meanwhile had to remain out of training Thursday afternoon. "Things are moving forward. There is a chance that he can train again tomorrow," said the Werder coach, hoping the Serbian can return to training in time to possibly play on Saturday.

The match against Wolfsburg will also be a reunion with Klaus Allofs. "That is not an issue for me anymore. I do not live in the past, but in the here and now. Klaus Allofs is responsible for VfL Wolfsburg. His time here was great, but it's over," said Schaaf, wanting to focus his attention on the match. In addition to Allofs, past Werder stars Naldo and Diego will also appear at Weser Stadium. "We have to see to it that we are successful again. The team is ready and willing. I expect an interesting and intensive match in which I hope we can prevail," said Schaaf.