Johan Mina has had a quiet few weeks recently. The Ecuadorian was eased into training at the club following his transfer to SV Werder. However, the restrictions brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic did not make settling into Bremen life any easier for the 18-year-old. Mina is currently in his home country, where he will be preparing for the U20 South American Championship starting in January, as Frank Baumann explains.
“Unfortunately, Johan hasn’t had a good year,” said Werder’s sporting director ahead of the club’s final game of 2020. Mina's arrival, which had been planned for the pre-season, was delayed until mid-August, and even individual training was almost impossible in his home country. "That's why we decided in the summer to build him up very slowly and initially focus on his physicality. We've done a good job of that with the U23s," Baumann said.
Before hoping to make the the jump to the first team ahead of next season, Mina has the opportunity to gain match practice with the Ecuador U20 side as they take part in the South American Youth Championship, which is due to take place between the 2nd and 27th February.
For about two weeks, the 18-year-old has been preparing for the tournament. "They have already played two friendlies against Colombia, but unfortunately Johan got injured in one game," said Baumann. Mina will spend Christmas with his family, after which his knee injury expected to be healed. "We’re hoping that he won’t be out for a longer period so that he can pick up match practice and return to Bremen stronger."
