Super Eagles left-back Felix Agu is edging closer to a competitive return after a long spell on the sidelines, with Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune outlining a cautious reintegration plan following the player’s recovery from a syndesmosis injury.

 The 26-year-old left-back is available for selection again after spending several months out injured.

Agu was included in Werder Bremen’s matchday squad for the first time last weekend during the Bundesliga fixture against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

However, he did not make his return on the pitch, as the coaching staff felt the timing was not yet right for a full competitive comeback. That situation is now expected to change in the near future.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against SC Freiburg, Thioune stressed that patience remains central to the club’s approach.

The Werder Bremen coach highlighted the seriousness of Agu’s injury and the importance of managing his recovery carefully.

He explained that “it was a difficult and lengthy injury” and added that “with Felix, we have to be careful to ease him back into playing football,” referencing the four-month absence that has kept the defender out of action.

Despite the cautious tone, Thioune made it clear that Agu remains an important part of his plans.

The coach believes the former Osnabrück player has the ability to influence matches once fully reintegrated, noting that Agu “can be a factor at any time during a match.”

However, Thioune stopped short of confirming whether the defender would be ready to start against Freiburg, stating, “I don't know that after 48 hours,” as he underlined that a final decision would only be taken after further discussions with the club’s medical team.

While uncertainty surrounds Agu’s immediate role, his presence in the matchday squad is no longer in doubt.

Thioune confirmed that the left-back will once again be available for selection, adding that “we need to consider the specifics” when determining how and when he is used. 

Agu has been sidelined since October last year after suffering the syndesmosis ligament injury during Werder Bremen’s 1-0 home victory over FC St. Pauli.

With his recovery now complete, the club is focused on ensuring his return is managed safely and effectively.

Wale Adejumo