As opposed to the second day of training, Lukas Schmitz joined injured Mikael Silvestre as an absentee on Friday. The new acquisition Schmitz's return should not take that much longer as he has been labouring with a gastro intestinal infection and can soon get to know his new teammates on the pitch.
"Lukas is doing better. I cannot say whether or not he can go for tomorrow's training. At the latest he will be on hand at the training camp on Norderney," said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf. While Schmitz must recover in bed for a bit longer, Silvestre will be out quite some time (See Werder.de-news). And Werder's new group of players is coming into focus. U23 players Clemens Schoppenhauer and Leon Balogun, both of whom made their Bundesliga debut against Stuttgart last season, took over the two defensive positions. "Every training session is a chance to prove yourself. Wearing the diamond on my chest is my goal. But the performances have to be there," said Schoppenhauer.
Balogun is also giving a strong effort in the back. "I am going about things relaxed. If the possibility arises, then I will be ready," said the 23-year-old defensive specialist. "Leon and Clemens should showcase themselves and make their way. I have trust that they can do the job," said Schaaf, giving the youngsters more hope for playing time in the coming weeks of pre