Wolfsburg women: Will the super streak continue against Werder?
VfL Wolfsburg go into the DFB Cup match against Werder Bremen with an incredible run, but also with major personnel worries. The defending cup champions and record winners (ten triumphs) have won all 46 of their previous matches in the competition. "It's always important to make this number bigger. We don't get anything for free because of this number," said coach Tommy Stroot ahead of Friday's game (6 p.m.) at the AOK Stadium.
The 34-year-old is also certain: "I can't imagine a cup run like this happening again." Of course, the team led by DFB captain Alexandra Popp is the favorite against the Bundesliga seventh-placed team. The last defeat for the VfL women in the cup was ten years ago, when they lost 1:0 at 1. FFC Frankfurt. The competition has become even more important for Wolfsburg this season after they were eliminated from the Champions League before the group stage.
Long-term injuries to Rebecka Blomqvist and Sveindis Jonsdottir will be missed for even longer, although Stroot emphasized on Thursday that the Icelander's patellar tendon was only irritated and not torn. Sara Agraz (bruise and cut on her knee) is also out, as are Felicitas Rauch (toe injury) and Lena Oberdorf (back problems). The two national team players have also withdrawn from the DFB international matches against Denmark (December 1) and Wales (December 5).
According to Stroot, Oberdorf is now back on the pitch. However, the question is "how fit she will be for training next week". In any case, the aim is for the important midfielder to be able to play completely pain-free again. Attacker Popp still has tension in her neck from time to time. However, Germany's player of the year is "training as normal and is completely available to us".
VfL Wolfsburg's women's team, currently on an unbeaten run in the DFB Cup, will face Werder Bremen in their next match. With key players Rebecka Blomqvist and Sveindis Jonsdottir out due to long-term injuries, coach Tommy Stroot will be eager to see if midfielder Lena Oberdorf can return to full fitness for their upcoming cup fixture.
Source: www.dpa.com
