Mertesacker return delayed for Bremen

Germany defender Per Mertesacker’s expected return to action for the Werder Bremen v Hanover derby has been delayed due to a lack of form.

Mertesacker fractured his eye socket playing for Germany a fortnight ago and had expected to play for his Bundesliga side wearing a protective mask on Tuesday.

However a lack of training during his injury lay-off means the 25-year-old centre-back, who feared for his sight after being elbowed in the face in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Azerbaidjan on September 7, is not match fit.

“I had a ten-day layoff without training, and I don’t feel ready. I just have to wait for the green light from doctors,” he said Tuesday.

It means Werder are without their two main central defenders, as Brazsilian Naldo is also out injured. That means a likely start for Frenchman Mickael Silvestre.

In next month’s Euro 2012 matches Germany play Turkey at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on October 8 and Kazakhstan in Astana four days later.