Alonso ahead of #SVWB04: Bremen away game start of 'next stage'

The good news first off. "All the players have come back fit and healthy," said Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "We are very happy that many of them have qualified for Euro 2024 and several have made their debuts."

Frimpong and Tapsoba FIT TO PLAY

Equally pleasing news: Jeremie Frimpong, who came back early from the Netherlands squad due to slight hip problem, is available as is Edmond Tapsoba after the operation on his hand. World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios is also ready to play after his intercontinental travel as is Granit Xhaka after three 90-minute appearances for Switzerland.

Still sidelined is Patrik Schick, who "has trained very well. But we want to give him some time. That's why he's not in the squad in Bremen but he may well be against Häcken on Thursday."

4,000 Bayer 04 Fans in Bremen

Starting with the final pre-match training session on Friday, the focus now is completely on the away game at Werder Bremen who have picked up five points from the last three games. Alonso ahead of the first of eight matches in 26 days: "Bremen have been in good shape in the last few games, played good football and they have a dangerous attack in Borré and Ducksch.”

The Werkself will again be able to rely on strong support at the Weserstadion with 4,000 fans making the trip to Bremen. The whole away allocation has again been taken up. "We are very happy and grateful for this support and we will do everything on the pitch for our fans to be happy travelling a long way."