Werder Bremen Travels to Freiburg Without Veljkovic; Stage Set to Return
Bremen, Germany – Werder Bremen will have to make do without defender Milos Veljkovic for their upcoming away match against SC Freiburg. The Serbian has been experiencing back pain and will not make the trip to the Breisgau. Werder coach Ole Werner hopes Veljkovic will be fit in time for the DFB-Pokal quarterfinal against third-division Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday.
Jens Stage, however, is available again for the Freiburg game. The Dane has recovered from his muscular problems and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Friday evening (8:30 p.m. CEST/DAZN).
After just one win in seven Bundesliga games this year, the pressure is mounting on Bremen. "We’re now entering the decisive phase, where trends are starting to emerge," said Werner, who did not want to overrate the team’s recent poor run of form. "Such phases are part of every season. I still have complete confidence in my players."
Veljkovic’s Absence a Blow to Bremen’s Defense
Veljkovic’s absence is a setback for Bremen’s defense, which has been struggling in recent games. The 27-year-old has been a regular starter for Bremen since joining the club in 2016 and is known for his aerial prowess and physical presence.
Niklas Stark is expected to take Veljkovic’s place in the starting lineup alongside Marco Friedl. Stark has been in good form this season and should be able to provide adequate cover for Veljkovic.
Stage’s Return a Boost for Bremen’s Midfield
Stage’s return is a timely boost for Bremen’s midfield, which has lacked creativity in recent games. The Danish international is a skillful playmaker who is capable of creating chances for his teammates and scoring goals himself.
Stage is expected to slot into the midfield alongside Leonardo Bittencourt and Ilia Gruev. The trio will be tasked with providing attacking support for striker Niclas Füllkrug.
Bremen Under Pressure to Get Results
Bremen are in urgent need of a positive result against Freiburg. The team has dropped to 11th place in the Bundesliga standings and is now just four points above the relegation playoff spot.
Werner knows that his team needs to start picking up wins if they want to avoid a relegation battle. "We have to show that we can compete with the top teams in the league," said Werner. "We have the quality, but we need to start showing it on the pitch."
Freiburg a Tough Opponent
Freiburg will be a tough opponent for Bremen. The Breisgauers are currently fifth in the Bundesliga standings and are in contention for a Champions League spot.
Freiburg are a well-organized team with a strong attacking lineup. They will be looking to take advantage of Bremen’s recent poor form and secure a victory at home.
Bremen Looking to End Freiburg’s Unbeaten Run
Bremen will be looking to end Freiburg’s unbeaten run at home. The Breisgauers have not lost a Bundesliga game at home since November and will be confident of extending that run against Bremen.
Werner knows that his team will have to play at their best if they want to get a result in Freiburg. "We need to be compact in defense and clinical in attack," said Werner. "We have to be prepared for a tough game, but we believe that we can get a positive result."
