Borowski hopeful of return from injury

Werder Bremen’s injury-hit midfielder Tim Borowski is hoping to return to training with the rest of his club’s squad in around three weeks’ time.

The 30-year-old Germany international underwent ankle surgery late last month, but already has his eyes set on a return to the training pitch.

He told the club’s official website: “In the last couple of days I have already been intensively working with the bicycle.

“Of course I hope that I can step up the programme now, so that I can begin with running training again.

“Of course my return depends heavily on the healing process, but I hope to return to team training within a maximum three weeks.”

Werder’s Germany centre-back Per Mertesacker is being linked with a move away from the club after sporting director Klaus Allofs confirmed that all contract talks are on hold until next summer.