Werder still cautious: Right Keita not until 2024
Werder Bremen's regular starter Naby Keita returns to the squad for the away game at VfB Stuttgart. However, the 28-year-old midfielder from Guinea is not a candidate for the starting eleven for Saturday's match (18:30/Sky). "We're happy that he's back in the squad. But he probably won't be considered for a longer game," said Bremen coach Ole Werner.
"We now have to get him back into shape bit by bit and give him playing time," said Werner, explaining the plan for the injury-prone Keita, who has only made one appearance in Bremen's starting eleven this season. Most recently, he missed out due to a torn muscle fiber and then a cold.
Keita should really get going next year, even if he will most likely be absent again at the start due to the Africa Cup. "It's more likely that we won't see the 100 percent Naby Keita until after the Africa Cup in the new year," said Werner about Keita, who arrived from Liverpool FC in the summer and had raised great expectations at the Weser.
Despite Naby Keita's return to Werder Bremen's squad, his participation in Bundesliga matches remains limited due to his injury history. The Guinean midfielder might not feature in the starting eleven until he regains full fitness, possibly by early 2024, when he is expected to be fully recovered from the Africa Cup.
Source: www.dpa.com
