The week of training featured plenty of fire among the Green-Whites as head coach Thomas Schaaf confirmed after the final session prior to the away match against Mainz. "The team really gave their all one more time at the final training and picked up the tempo. That was good," said the Werder coach.
Now it's all about showing that spirit on the pitch on Saturday at FSV Mainz 05 at 3:30 p.m. and bringing home three points. Aleksandar Ignjovski was nominated for the roster despite his stomach problems. Philipp Bargfrede also will return for the first time in the second half of the season following a five-month injury layoff. "I am happy that I was able to train the last couple of weeks without any problems and can be on hand against Mainz. That's a nice feeling after such a long break," said the 24-year-old.
Reserve keeper Richard Strebinger was not nominated, instead being replaced by Christian Vander.
These 18 players were nominated for the match against Mainz:
Mielitz, Vander - Pavlovic, Lukimya, De Bruyne, Arnautovic, Ekici, Elia, Schmitz, Hunt, Prödl, Ignjovski, Sokratis, Gebre Selassie, Petersen, Trybull, Yildirim and Bargfrede.