Bremen's Weiser opens up on mental toll of 14-month ACL recovery

📰 After more than 14 months out with a torn ACL, Bremen's Mitchell Weiser has opened up about the mental side of his recovery. 📌 Key points 🦵 Weiser tore his ACL in training in July 2025. ⏳ He returned against Cologne in September 2026 after more than 14 months out. 🧠 He said he almost developed an obsession with how his knee felt. ⚽ He scored a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 comeback win over Augsburg. 🏟️ Bremen visit league leaders Dortmund on 9 October. 📝 What happened 🎤 The 32-year-old told RTL/Sky: "When you get up every morning, consciously notice every staircase and at some point almost develop a psychosis around how your knee or your body feels, then that isn't easy." 📉 He had hoped to return before the end of last season, and when that did not happen he said he fell into a slump. 💥 Weiser came on in the 83rd minute at his former club Cologne in September to make his comeback. He then struck a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 comeback against Augsburg, describing the moment as "like an explosion". In his last full season before the injury, he had 5 goals and 10 assists. 📊 By the numbers • Time out: more than 14 months • Comeback: on in the 83rd minute at Cologne • Augsburg: 3-2 comeback win, stoppage-time winner • Last full season before injury: 5 goals, 10 assists 🔭 Why it matters Players still rarely speak openly about the mental strain of long injuries, and Weiser's words show rehab is not only a physical battle. Bremen, on 7 points, visit Dortmund, who have won all four league games, on Friday night, 9 October, in Bundesliga Matchday 5.