Werder Bremen faces season start challenges after Freiburg loss and Stage injury

Werder Bremen opened the Bundesliga season with a 4-1 loss to SC Freiburg on Sunday at Europa-Park Stadium. Following the defeat, striker Niclas Füllkrug expressed optimism regarding the season ahead despite the result and a significant injury to team-mate Jens Stage. Stage suffered a thigh muscle injury that may sideline him for the remainder of the year. Coach Daniel Thioune noted that Füllkrug remains in decent physical condition, though he requires more match minutes to return to form. Managing director for sport Clemens Fritz confirmed that the club intends to recruit a new midfielder before the transfer window closes on Tuesday to address the roster gap. The squad now turns its focus to an upcoming match against RB Leipzig next weekend.

• 9:19 AMYahoo Sports — Bremen's Füllkrug upbeat despite poor season start and Stage injury