Franco Di Santo, who has scored three goals in two appearances in 2015, could return when Bremen host Augsburg on Matchday 21
Franco Di Santo, who has scored three goals in two appearances in 2015, could return when Bremen host Augsburg on Matchday 21

Di Santo in contention for Bremen return

xwhatsappmailcopy-link

Bremen - could return for SV Werder Bremen's clash with FC Augsburg on Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CET / 14:30) after returning to full team training on Thursday.

Plenty of options

A thigh injury ruled the Argentinian striker out of last weekend's

2-1 win over Bayer 04 Leverkusen

, but he is now creeping into contention for a recall as the northern club look to make it five wins in a row.

"We've got to see how his thigh responds to the strain," said a cautious coach Viktor Skripnik, who does not want to rush the 25-year-old back into action, even if he was inspirational in back-to-back wins over Hertha Berlin and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim immediately after the winter break. There was also good news from

Fin Bartels

, who has recovered from a muscular injury but was struck by a stomach bug on Thursday. "He says he can train, but I'd rather he sat it out and we'll see how he is tomorrow," said Skripnik, again erring on the side of caution for a game the whole club is looking forward to. "We all can't wait for kick-off and to enjoy the amazing atmosphere."

Philipp Bargfrede

will face a late fitness test while

Sebastian Prödl

is back in training after two months out and

Cedrick Makiadi

has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, providing his coach with another option. "We're going to need his experience, especially in the important games coming up," commented Skripnik.