Marco Friedl
SVWAustria
Left
Mar 16, 1998
28
6'2"
181 lb
CB
LB
Back Line Anchor
BremenMakes starting XI
Friedl (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Augsburg.
Analysis: Friedl came through Friday's training session without any issues after returning to full training Thursday, with coach Daniel Thioune handing the Bremen captain a starting role in what is a significant boost for the defensive unit. The center-back had been carefully managed due to a groin issue in recent weeks, forcing Amos Pieper, Abdoul-Karim Coulibaly and Niklas Stark to cover in his absence. His return to the heart of the defense is a timely development for Bremen as they push through the final stretch of the Bundesliga season.
Expected to be available Saturday
Friedl (groin) returned to full training Thursday and should be available for Saturday's clash against Augsburg, according to coach Daniel Thioune. "Captain Friedl, who has only been participating in partial training or managing his workload recently, should be in the squad for the match. He trained fully today. If he trains tomorrow, we can assume he will be available."
Analysis: Friedl's return to full training is a significant development after a spell in which his workload had been carefully managed due to the groin issue. The Bremen captain has been their most important defensive figure this season when fit, and his potential return gives coach Daniel Thioune a major boost heading into Saturday's fixture. His absence had forced Amos Pieper, Abdoul-Karim Coulibaly and Niklas Stark to cover at center-back, and the defensive unit should benefit considerably from having their leader back in contention. Manager Daniel Thioune stopped short of fully confirming his availability, making Friday's training session the deciding factor in his inclusion in the matchday squad. A return for Friedl would be a timely boost for Bremen as they push through the final stretch of the Bundesliga season.
Could return soon
Friedl (groin) is questionable for Saturday's match against Augsburg, according to manager Daniel Thioune, per Malik Hanke of Deichstube. "We have to wait and see, Marco. Even though it wasn't structural damage, the complaints were so strong that he simply wasn't able to play or be ready for action at all yesterday, from the start. There are now only three full training days until Augsburg, and tomorrow we still have the regeneration day. We have to watch from day to day."
Analysis: Friedl is still working his way back from a muscle injury and is not yet deemed fit for play, although he is trying for Saturday's match. This will likely come down to how much he can train this week, needing to recover a decent amount after it was claimed his complaints were enough to not even think of him playing in their last contest. He has been their lead defender this year when fit, leaving Amos Pieper, Abdoul-Karim Coulibaly and Niklas Stark as center-backs if Friedl continues on the sidelines.
Dealing with injury
Friedl was not in the squad for Sunday's match against Stuttgart due to back and adductor problems.
Analysis: Friedl was set to return from a suspension, but was dealing with multiple ailments in the buildup to Sunday's fixture. Niklas Stark took Friedl's customary role in the heart of the Bremen back line.
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