Mitchell Weiser nears Werder Bremen return after cruciate ligament injury

Werder Bremen defender Mitchell Weiser is approaching a return to the matchday squad after a 14-month injury layoff. The 32-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in his knee in July 2025 and missed the entirety of last season. Bremen coach Daniel Thioune stated on Thursday that Weiser is under consideration for selection ahead of Saturday's match against Cologne. Although the club initially planned a slower buildup for the player during the current international break, recent training sessions have shown positive progress. Bremen currently holds momentum after rebounding from an opening 4-1 loss to Freiburg with a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig. Weiser began his career at Cologne, making Saturday's fixture against his former side a potential venue for his competitive return to the pitch.

• 1:03 PMYahoo Sports — Fit after 14 months out - Weiser an option for Bremen