Werder confirm Keïta's early return to training: "Stable and fit."
As reported by Werder correspondent Tim Lüddecke of Germany's preeminent footballing publication, SV Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Naby Keïta has declined the club's offer of some extra time off following his tour-of-duty with the Guinean national football team at the Africa Cup of Nations.
SV licensing director Clemens Fritz and head-coach Ole Werner - as quoted in an article appearing on Kicker Magazine's website - hinted that the club's "fourth winter signing" may be ready for some action come next weekend.
After an injury riddled first half of the season during which the high-caliber summer signing logged just 81 minutes for his new German club, Guinean national team captain Naby Keïta returns from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations having logged twice as many minutes for country. Keïta returns to Germany's SV Werder Bremen club looking fit for the first time since joining them.
SV licensing director Clemens Fritz and head-coach Ole Werner - as quoted in an article appearing on Kicker Magazine's website - hinted that the club's "fourth winter signing" may be ready for some action come next weekend.
Speaking to Tim Lüddecke of Germany's Kicker Magazine, SV licensing head Clemens Fritz confirmed that Keïta had declined an offer from Germany's top-flight Hanseatic city-state club to take some extra time off following his nation's AFCON elimination on Saturday. Fritz expressed optimism that Keïta could be integrated into head-coach Ole Werner's side soon.
Following a transfer window during which Bremen signed three young players (Julian Malatini (21), Skelly Alvero (21), and Isak Hansen-Aarøen 19), the Hanseaten are technically bringing in a "fourth winter signing" should the 28-year-old Keïta be able to remain fit. Both Fritz and Werner hinted that the club was prepared to turn to him.
"I think the experience at the Africa Cup has done him good," Fritz is quoted as saying, "in that he's now returning fit and in a more stable condition. Naturally, the first six months weren't ideal for him given all of the downtime."
Commenting on the matter at his Saturday post-match presser, trainer Werner expressed similar sentiments. The SV gaffer noted that "the match minutes [at AFCON] have helped him and he's finally fit".
After training all week with the squad, Keïta may be an option for Werder next weekend against Heidenheim. The former Leipzig and Liverpool professional - who turns 29 on Saturday - may receive a much-appreciated birthday present.