Happy new year for Nery

Sole appearance
The 27-year-old suffered the injury during his only Bundesliga appearance of the season, against VfL Wolfsburg in August, and went home to Brazil for surgery. He was back in Bremen last week eager to resume training but has been told to wait until after the winter break before returning to action.

Doctor's orders
The surgeon who operated on Nery has said that he cannot play until the wiring inserted into his hand to help the bones heal has been removed. "We have received doctor's orders and know that Gustavo shouldn't play before the end of the year, when the wires will be removed," said sporting director Klaus Allofs.