Werner back training after injury ‘catastrophe’

Germany striker Timo Werner returned to training with Bundesliga high-fliers RB Leipzig yesterday, less than a week after tearing a thigh muscle while making his debut for the world champions. Werner, 21, hurt his left thigh in last Wednesday’s 1-0 home win against England, which RB coach Ralph Hasenhuettl labelled a “catastrophe” as his club prepare to play three games in seven days. But Werner completed a 30-minute training run yesterday, then finished with some sprints, before signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Nevertheless, Hasenhuettl says Werner still needs time to recover as second-placed Leipzig prepare for Saturday’s home match against bottom side Darmstadt following two successive league defeats. “It was just a bit of work to activate the muscle, the fact he can do some light running is normal,” said Hasenhuettl. “We already know that it will probably take some time. We are just doing what we can.” —AFP