Werder Bremen’s Surprising Transfer Deadline Decision Amid Injury Crisis

Werder Bremen Loses Justin Njinmah for Months Following Thigh Injury in Freiburg

SV Werder Bremen is confronting a mounting personnel crisis at the start of the Bundesliga season. Following a 4-1 defeat away to SC Freiburg, the club confirmed on Tuesday evening that forward Justin Njinmah has suffered a severe thigh muscle injury that will sideline him for several months. The setback arrives just days after midfielder Jens Stage suffered an identical muscle tear during the final training session before the league opener, leaving the squad severely depleted.

The Transfer Window Closes Without a Replacement

The timing of the diagnosis left Werder Bremen’s sporting leadership with a narrow window to react on deadline day. According to Sport Managing Director Clemens Fritz, the medical confirmation arrived on Tuesday morning, providing enough time to pursue a replacement before the transfer window slammed shut at 8:00 PM. Yet, the club consciously chose to stay inactive on the market.

Speaking to media outlets, Fritz described the diagnosis as a significant shock for everyone involved. He explained that the club weighed its options before deciding against signing an emergency fix. Fritz noted that the inflated winter market primarily offers overpriced short-term solutions of questionable value. Instead, Werder opted to rely on its existing squad depth, pointing to versatile players capable of filling multiple roles across the pitch.

A Heavy Blow to Attacking Depth

Marco Grüll, Eren Dinkci, and Paul Erevbenagie remain the primary fit options for the wide attacking positions. Meanwhile, the club’s high-profile returnee, Niclas Füllkrug—who recently returned on a loan deal from West Ham United—is not yet match-fit to play at full intensity, as both he and the coaching staff have acknowledged.

Photo: dieniedersachsen.de

This lean state contrasts sharply with Werder’s swift reactions to previous injuries. When Jens Stage was ruled out until at least the end of the year, the club moved decisively, securing Youri Regeer on loan with an option to buy from Ajax Amsterdam, alongside left-back Moussa Ndiaye from RSC Anderlecht and right-back Arthur from Bayer Leverkusen. For Njinmah, however, the club elected patience and internal stability over a rushed acquisition.

A Career Marked by Recurring Setbacks

For the 25-year-old Njinmah, this latest injury is a bitter continuation of a career repeatedly halted by physical setbacks. Club databases trace a history of ankle troubles, a groin issue, and a similar muscle strain last August, alongside extended illness-related absences over the past two seasons. Born in Hamburg, the forward developed through Eimsbütteler TV and Holstein Kiel before signing his professional contract at the Weser in January 2022, which included a loan stint at Borussia Dortmund. His current contract with Werder runs until the summer of 2027.

Photo: neunzigplus.de

Peter Niemeyer, Head of Professional Football, addressed the diagnosis by calling it bitter news for both the player and the institution, promising the club’s full backing throughout the rehabilitation process.

Looking Ahead to the Clash with RB Leipzig

There is little time for the team to lick its wounds or reorganize. On Saturday, Werder Bremen will host RB Leipzig at the Weserstadion. Leipzig enters the fixture brimming with confidence after opening their campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.