Quick comeback or return in installments?

Third big moment in three months: First the wedding, then the baby – and now the sports comeback? (Photo: nph).
First Team
Wednesday, 26.11.2014 / 20:05

Philipp Bargfrede is back. For half a year, the 25-year-old could not complete a single team training. But last Thursday Bargfrede was back - returning to the pitch, back with his...



Philipp Bargfrede is back. For half a year, the 25-year-old could not complete a single team training. But last Thursday Bargfrede was back - returning to the pitch, back with his teammates. What seemed like little more than a side note in the preparation for the North Derby is becoming more and more important looking ahead to the showdown with Paderborn on Saturday (3:30 p.m. kick-off).

In light of the situation with injured and suspended players, a return of the midfielder would be a positive signal for the team. "I don't have any problems and am getting better day by day," said Bargfrede. "Of course, there's a big difference between rehab sessions and normal training. And it's a major jump from training to a competitive match. So it's too early to say anything about Saturday since I have only gone through three or four sessions and had been out very long."

But the Zeven native hasn't needed much time to come back from injuries in the past. For example, last season after missing 152 days with a knee ligament tear, he only needed a few sessions back at training before returning to the Bundesliga - even scoring the crucial final equaliser in the final minute of the 4-4 draw in Hoffenheim. It was his first goal in the Bundesliga.

But head coach Viktor Skripnik is also cautious. "It's one thing to be able to run without pain. But it's something totally different to tackle for 90 minutes, slide around, get nicked up," said the coach. Still he added: "I would be happy if he could play again. Whether that is on Saturday already we will have to wait and see." Just like in the morning, Bargfrede also showed in the afternoon session that he is okay with the tackling.

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