Overview
- Maximilian Wöber sat out Tuesday's training with renewed muscular problems reported by the club after a brief comeback in a test match.
- Niklas Stark completed an individual load-management program at the Weserstadion, leaving his weekend availability unresolved.
- Goalkeeper Mio Backhaus sustained a head laceration in a collision with Marco Friedl, had the wound stitched, and is expected to be available against Hoffenheim.
- Leonardo Bittencourt returned to full training after illness and is likely to be included in the matchday squad.
- Long-term absentees remained out: Victor Boniface is ruled out for the season, Mitchell Weiser is not expected back before March, and Felix Agu is targeting a return around late January.