Uwe Hünemeier, Jens Wemmer and Thomas Bertels are all back in training for Paderborn, as they aim to improve their recent defensive form.
"Though we're still going strong, some players have been considerably poor in defensive terms."
André Breitenreiter's men have conceded twenty-two goals this term, although they conceded nine goals in just their last matches. Losing 3-0 to Paderborn and 4-0 to Werder Bremen hit the Westphalians hard, but a 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund can hardly be counted as a bad result. Many people will say this has been coming for the newly-promoted side, but in both defeats they were without captain Hünemeier and Wemmer could only manage forty-five minutes across all three games.
All three played a part in their promotion tot he Bundesliga, especially Wemmer and Hünemeier, so it's hardly surprising that they've struggled with them out of the side. The former-Dortmund defender has been out of action with an infection and concussion, with Wemmer on his way back from a torn abductor. Both completed the eight-mile run with the team on Tuesday morning and should be fit to face Freiburg this weekend.
As for Jens Wemmer, it's a long-awaited return after severely injuries. Achilles tendon and heel surgery, as well as a stress fracture all on his right foot, mean that it'll take a while for him to build up his match fitness once more. The 28-year-old's return will be a welcome boost to Paderborn, even if he won't make an immediate return. The Benteler-Arena side will be aiming to put more distance between the bottom three and themselves with a win on Saturday.
Quotes via kicker.