Werder Bremen's Mitchell Weiser celebrates comeback after long-term injury
After almost 14 months on the sidelines, Werder Bremen’s Mitchell Weiser celebrated his comeback against former club Cologne. After the final whistle, the 32-year-old was overcome with emotion…
In floods of tears, Weiser made his way over to the travelling support following Matchday 3’s 1-1 draw. Overcome with joy, the German received a standing ovation from the Bremen supporters after more than a year of suffering following a cruciate ligament tear ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Weiser’s last Bundesliga appearance for the Hanseatic club came 483 days ago, and it is perhaps more fitting that his return came against former club Cologne at the RheinEnergieStadion, where he made his professional debut as a 17-year-old.
Watch: Weiser’s emotional return
“After being out for so long, all the emotions just came out,” said Weiser. “I’ve played football all my life and this was the longest I’ve ever gone without it.
“Football is such a huge part of my life and I missed it so much. I worked hard every single day for this. Those ten minutes were incredibly special for me.”
Weiser, who replaced Youri Regeer in the 83rd minute, added: “I was more out of breath after ten minutes today than I used to be after 90.
“It was a big step, but there’s still more work to do. I still need to build up my stamina, and the only way to do that is by getting minutes on the pitch. I’m absolutely convinced I’ll come back a better player than I was before.”
Watch: Cologne 1-1 Werder Bremen - highlights
Niclas Füllkrug, who was responsible for Bremen’s equaliser, was visibly delighted at Weiser’s return. “I started crying too,” he said, a statement echoed by captain Marco Friedl, who added that it had also been “a great moment for me as his friend”.
After registring a win, a draw and a defeat after three games, Daniel Thioune’s Bremen host unbeaten Augsburg on 19 September ahead of a trip to Borussia Dortmund after the international break.
