Marco Friedl doubt deepens Werder Bremen Injury woes before Bayern Munich clash

The 27-year-old defender was forced to cut short Tuesday's session with discomfort in his left knee, according to DeichStube. Friedl has already missed matches this season with similar problems, including the dramatic 3-3 draw against Bayer Leverkusen earlier in September.

Head coach Horst Steffen admitted the timing was far from ideal ahead of a trip to the champions. "Marco is an essential player for us, especially in games like this where leadership and organisation are so important," Steffen said. "We will monitor his recovery closely, but it is a race against time."

Steffen's squad has been heavily affected by injuries in recent weeks. Samuel Mbangula, who was absent in last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Freiburg with a hamstring problem, was only able to train individually. Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Niklas Stark also sat out full training.

Long-term absentees Mitchell Weiser, Olivier Deman and Maximilian Wober remain sidelined, further stretching Bremen's resources at the back.

Bremen's start to the season has been mixed, with one win, one draw and two defeats from their opening four Bundesliga matches. The growing injury list is a concern for Steffen as he prepares his side to face a Bayern team unbeaten at home this season.

Friedl, who left Bayern for Bremen in 2018 and became captain in 2022, has played more than 150 games for the club. His absence against his former side would be a significant blow.

Steffen added: "We know how strong Bayern are, especially in Munich, but these challenges are also opportunities. Whoever plays will have to show resilience and belief."

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