'Feeling better' – Werder Bremen coach provides fitness update on Super Eagles defender Agu

Werder Bremen manager Horst Steffen has delivered a positive update on the fitness of Felix Agu ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Steffen confirmed that Agu, who has been included in Nigeria's expanded squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, has returned to team training after a difficult week.

The fullback was forced to play through the pain barrier in Bremen's Bundesliga opener and missed the majority of team sessions in the build-up to the Leverkusen game, sparking concerns about his availability for club and country.

After receiving clearance from the German Football Association, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed Agu his senior debut in May's Unity Cup final against Jamaica.

He was in contention for a high-profile friendly against Russia the following month but had to withdraw from the squad due to visa complications.

Providing an update on the fitness of Agu and Niklas Stark, Horst Steffen told reporters: "Both are feeling better and trained today, and if they continue to show no reaction, they'll play.

"Marco Friedl is predicted to be back in action for the next Bundesliga game after the international break, but I can't predict his exact development."

The update will come as welcome news for Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who is set to announce his final squad for the World Cup qualifiers in the coming days.

Should Felix Agu take part in any of Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers next month, he would become cap-tied to the Super Eagles under Fifa eligibility rules and no longer be able to represent Germany at international level.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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