Werder Bremen sweating over Mbangula’s fitness ahead of Bayern clash

Werder Bremen had to manage without Samuel Mbangula in their 0-3 defeat to Freiburg on Saturday, as the Belgian winger was sidelined with a thigh problem – and he was sorely missed.

“We missed Samuel because he occupies positions well and can score a goal or win a penalty with an individual action,” said Werder Bremen coach Horst Steffen after Saturday’s loss to Freiburg.

“In Mönchengladbach, he showed why we signed him,” added Steffen, recalling Mbangula’s decisive display against Borussia on Matchday 3, where he scored a goal and provided two assists in Werder’s 4-0 win.

Given his pace and unpredictability, Mbangula’s return would provide a major boost for Bremen ahead of Friday’s clash with Bayern Munich. Whether he will be fit in time, however, remains uncertain.

“I don’t know how persistent his complaints are and whether he’ll be ready again by midweek – and that would already have to be the case. Of course I have hope, but I can’t yet see any clear direction,” Steffen explained.