Head coach Thomas Schaaf surprisingly played the "Merte" card for the starting line-up in Werder's 1-0 test match victory over Everton. The German international defender led his team out as captain to a big applause and played as if he had not been away from action for weeks. "I was surprised myself that it looked so dynamic today," Mertesacker said overjoyed afterwards. "Honestly, I haven't felt this good physically in the entire past year. I never pulled back, that is an indication that I have cleared the injury out of my mind. That was a good prelude for me today."
The second returnee Prödl also had a good showing against the English side. "I have to admit that I was nervous. But it was nice to be on the pitch again. That brings me mental strength after working very hard the last four months. I am happy that it worked out. Physically there were no problems," said the Austrian, who knows a return to the starting formation is not that far off. "I feel good but also tired. It was important to go from an injured phase to a healthy phase. Now I can look forward. I have only been fully back since Monday. I should be back to 100 percent in two to three weeks. But the game on Saturday will be too early for me," added Prödl.