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27.08.2018Bundesliga

Wolfsburg run-in: Hradecky trains without mask

15 outfield players took part in training on Monday afternoon in the first session ahead of the home game against VfL Wolfsburg (1 September, 15.30 CET). Kai Havertz, Kevin Volland and Wendell were missing from the line-up against Gladbach but the captain Lars Bender took part in full training at the start of the week after recovering from knee problems.
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"Today we only practised drills rather than moves but it's good that Lars got through the session without any problems. That gives us hope that we can increase his workload over the week so he can be back on the pitch on Saturday," said Heiko Herrlich, who ruled the 28-year-old out of the  Gladbach game. According to the medical section, the absence of Havertz, Volland and Wendell is due to resting them or controlling workloads. Sven Bender, recently sidelined with an ankle injury, was able to train on his own on Monday.

Özcan in goal for FIRST home game

There is good news regarding Lukas Hradecky. The 28-year-old Finn left the protective helmet he has been wearing in training following his jaw operation  in the dressing room. He also took part in goalkeeping training without his mask. There is no final diagnosis at the moment but it is to be assumed he will return to full training in the near future. However, Herrlich has ruled him out for Saturday: "We don't want to take any unnecessary risks with Lukas."Rambo Özcan will be in goal again for the first Werkself home game of the season.

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