Bundesliga
"Sargent's absence really hurt us" - Kohfeldt
Werder Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt says Josh Sargent's absence in his team's Matchday 9 defeat to Wolfsburg further underlines just how important the USA international striker is for his side.
Sargent had started all eight of Bremen's previous Bundesliga outings this season, scoring once and providing two assists, but he twisted his ankle on the morning of the game on Friday as the team went through their customary pre-match activation exercises.
"He just went over on his ankle," Kohfeldt explained. "He'll return to training at some time in the middle of the week. I'm not sure whether he'll be able to train on Monday, but it won't rule him out of our next game against Stuttgart."
Watch: Sargent on life at Bremen
It was enough to stop him in Wolfsburg, however, with the 20-year-old replaced in the team by Yuya Osako, although he was able to watch on from the sidelines at the Volkswagen Arena.
Werder started brightly against the Wolves and went in front through Leonardo Bittencourt in the 13th minute of an open, entertaining encounter that Wolfsburg eventually won 5-3, ending Bremen's seven-game unbeaten run.
Come the final whistle, Kohfeldt reflected on Sargent's importance to his team. "I'm happy Josh doesn't have a serious injury," he said of the 12-time USMNT forward.
Watch: Highlights of Bremen's trip to Wolfsburg
"But you could see just what he brings to our game. Without wanting to criticise Yuya Osako in the slightest, as he had a very good game, but Josh is obviously able to bring a bit more physicality out on the pitch, while still remaining dangerous up front.
"That's why his absence really hurt us and it's the biggest compliment you can pay him, that you could really notice that he wasn't there."