NIKLAS STARK NEWS

Comes close to scoring Stark registered five shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus VfB Stuttgart.

Impact Stark seemed to be in the mood to score a goal on Saturday against VfB Stuttgart. In 90 minutes from his center back position, he registered a match-high five shots (two on target, three off target). He ended up generating 0.22 expected goals from his attempts, and also completed his only dribble of the match. Stark only recorded one shot in his previous three appearances for Werder Bremen, but it is possible that this uptick in offensive prowess will continue against Darmstadt this Tuesday.

DECEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Available from bench Stark (thigh) is on the bench for Sunday's trip to Gladbach.

Impact Stark returns after missing Bremen's last three matches through injury. The defender was a regular starter when fit, but will be eased back into action from the bench.

NOVEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with team, uncertain Sunday Stark (thigh) returned to team training this week and is questionable for Sunday's match against Monchengladbach, according to his club.

Impact Stark is improving his health once again, with the defender having returned to training after missing their past three matches. This leaves him questionable for Sunday's match, likely coming down to a late fitness test. He was a regular starter ahead of his injury and will look for that Sunday, although he may be kept on the bench to be cautious, with Marco Friedl or Amos Peiper taking his spot.

NOVEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Trains individually Stark (thigh) was included in individual training Monday, according to his club.

Impact Stark is seeing improvements for the first time since going down injured in late September, returning to training Monday. However, he was limited, only working by himself. That said, he will still need more time, likely missing another week or two before fit for play.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up thigh issue Stark has been handed a muscle issue in his thigh, according to his club.

Impact Stark is taking a break from training for the next few days and will be evaluated ahead of Saturday's match against Freiburg after suffering a thigh injury. This comes after an early exit against Hoffenheim on Sunday. They will hope his issues are only minor, as he has started in all five matches this campaign.

SEPTEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Assists Sunday Stark assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-3 win over Hoffenheim.

Impact Stark recorded his first assist of the season as he set up Julian Malatini's goal in the 21st minute which sparked the three-goal comeback. It was the only chance he created in the match. He had a quiet defensive match for his standards as he did not record a single interception, clearance or blocked shot. He was subbed off in the 58th minute for Amos Pieper.

SEPTEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Begins individual training Stark (hip) has started to take place in reduced individual training, the club confirmed Tuesday.

Impact Stark is already back on the training pitch Tuesday, starting to work on his recovery just three days after being forced out of a match against Heidenheim due to a hip issue. This is a positive start for the defender, but he will most likely remain out for Friday's match against Koln, as an upgrade to team training in the next couple of days would seem a little too quick. However, he will still aim to get on the field against Koln, hoping to keep hold of the starting spot in the center of the defense he has held over the past five contests.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet at Bayern Stark had two tackles (one won), seven clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 win versus Bayern Munich.

Impact Stark kept up his impressive run of form Sunday as he helped his side keep a clean sheet away at Bayern Munich. He tied a season-high with seven clearances and added one tackle, two interceptions and two blocked shots. In his last four starts, he now has two goals and two clean sheets.

JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Out on Tuesday Stark (groin) is out for Tuesday's match against Leipzig.

Impact Stark will be missing Tuesday's contest, having picked up a groin injury just days before the match. This will leave Marco Friedl, Anthony Jung and Christian GroB to take over the roles in the defense. Stark should return to the starting XI when healthy.

DECEMBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Trains individually Stark (hip) has begun individual training Tuesday.

Impact Stark has missed the last three matches with a hip injury and is working his way back to full fitness. He had started his previous four games played at center back, recording 24 clearances and 13 tackles (six won).

OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not yet training Stark (hip) is yet to return to full team training, Deichstube reports.

Impact Stark is still in individual rehab training and is still not back with the team. The center-back is a heavy doubt for a Saturday clash with Union Berlin, meaning Anthony Jung could get another start in central defense. Another option would be Amos Pieper (strain) if he can come back from injury.

OCTOBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limited to training individually Stark (hip) was still limited to individual training on Monday, ahead of Friday's match against Dortmund.

Impact Stark will have a question mark over his head for another match as he only trained individually once again ahead of Friday's match. The defender has already missed the past two games and looks to be lined up for another day on the sidelines after not returning to training with the team. Bremen is already short in the defender department, so if Stark cannot play, expect Milos Veljkovic, Christian Gross or Anthony Jung to start in his place.

OCTOBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will be sidelined again Stark (hip) was not able to return to full training and is set to miss Saturday's match against Hoffenheim, confirmed manager Ole Werner. "Niklas "Stark will probably also be out,...

Impact Stark was not able to train fully with the team Thursday and will miss his second match in a row with a hip injury. This means that Christian Gross will likely start again at center back for Saturday's match against Hoffenheim.

OCTOBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Works individually Stark (hip) was training individually ahead of Saturday's match against Hoffenheim.

Impact Stark is working back to a return to the pitch after missing last match with a hip injury. He is still listed as day-to-day as he awaits to return to team training before Saturday. If he has to sit out again, then Mitchell Weiser is expected to get the start again at center back.

OCTOBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will not play Sunday Starke (hip) will not be an option for Sunday's match against Darmstadt.

Impact Starke will miss just his second match of the season with a hip injury. He had started and played all 90 minutes the last four matches for the team. If Marco Friedl (ribs) is fit, he will get the start at center back in his absence.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves practice early Stark (undisclosed) was pictured leaving training early ahead of Sunday's match against Darmstadt.

Impact Stark's availability for Sunday's match is in jeopardy after leaving training early on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury. This could be a huge loss for the club if his injury is serious, seeing he has started four of the first five matches this year and was a normal starter last season. Bremen's depth in the defense is already low, especially with Marco Friedl picking up a knock, so if Stark is not able to play expect Milos Veljkovic to start. If Friedl also cannot compete, then the likes of Anthony Jung or Mitchell Weiser may be forced to play out of position in the defense.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Back in training Monday Stark (personal) returned to training Monday and will be an option to face Freiburg on Saturday.

Impact Stark was back in training Monday and should have a strong chance of moving straight back into the XI when Bremen takes on Freiburg on Saturday. The veteran racked up 27 appearances (23 starts) during the 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign in what was his first year with the club.

AUGUST 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out due to personal reasons Stark missed Friday's 4-0 loss to Bayern due to personal reasons, Werder announced.

Impact Stark was ruled out due to an undisclosed personal reason. The defender projects as a starter when available but there's no timeline for what Stark's personal circumstance might be. His next chance to play is an Aug. 26 trip to Freiburg.

AUGUST 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Excellent on debut Stark made 27 appearances (23 starts) during the 2022/23 Bundesliga.

Impact Stark moved to Werder after a long career with Hertha and immediately took a major role in the starting XI. The defender made 107 clearances and piled on 56 tackles during 2,082 minutes played. Stark remains a key part of the first team while fit and is a favorite to anchor the defense heading into pre-season.

JUNE 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Bayern Munich Stark (foot) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Bayern Munich.

Impact No surprises here, as Stark trained fully Thursday and was deemed ready to go for this one against the Bundesliga leaders. He'll slot in his regular spot at center-back in Bremen's three-men defensive line.

MAY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Trains fully Thursday Stark (foot) took part in full team training Thursday and should be an option for Saturday's clash with Bayern.

Impact Stark suffered a foot injury during a one-all draw with Schalke and opened the week in individual training. He avoided any sort of setback and is now back in full team training, opening the door for a full return at the first time of asking. Stark has been a consistent starter in central defense and will be tested heavily by a league-leading Bayern attack.

MAY 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Training individually Stark (foot) trained individually during Tuesday's session, Werder announced.

Impact Stark suffered a foot injury during Saturday's one-all draw with Schalke. The defender is now in training, a good sign, though he was unable to return to team training. Amos Pieper could get the start with Stark a doubt for Saturday's clash with Bayern Munich.

MAY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off with foot injury Stark registered three tackles (two won), 10 clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Schalke. He also injured his foot and subbed out in the 67th minute.

Impact Stark was having his best defensive match of the season, but it was ruined after being forced to sub off with a foot injury. Since coming back from an illness in March, the defender has started the last six matches, generating 22 clearances and 12 tackles (five won) in that span. Amos Pieper would be the next player up to start if Stark has to miss time with injury.

APRIL 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ready for Sunday Stark is fit and in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Leverkusen.

Impact Stark returns from an illness which kept him out of last week's match against Augsburg. The center back starts in the Bremen back line having helped his club keep two clean sheets in 16 appearances.

MARCH 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Back to training Stark (illness) took part in parts of training Wednesday ahead of Sunday's clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

Impact Stark missed the last two matches with an illness, but looks like he is easing his way back to training. He's expected to return to the lineup Saturday with Christian Gross (illness) missing training this week.

MARCH 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE