First-class Niclas Fuellkrug Lands For Dortmund Ahead Of Bremen Reunion

In-form striker Niclas Fuellkrug's Borussia Dortmund host his former side Werder Bremen on Friday, continuing the forward's stunning late-career flourish. Playing second division football just over a year ago, Fuellkrug helped Bremen to promotion before winning a first Germany cap at the age of 29, foreshadowing a move to Signal Iduna Park before the transfer window closed in August. Fuellkrug will suit up for Dortmund just 48 hours after the club chartered a private jet to bring the striker, along with midfielder Julian Brandt and defenders Mats Hummels and Niklas Suele back from Germany's US tour.

The reported 100,000 euro ($106,000) cost for the flight will be worth it if Dortmund, who currently sit fourth, pick up three points and go top of the table -- for one night at least.

With Sebastien Haller struggling for form as he continues his comeback from testicular cancer and Youssoufa Moukoko ruled out of Friday's match with injury, the 30-year-old has become an indispensible part of Dortmund's front line.

Fuellkrug has adjusted well to the bright lights in Dortmund and has scored in each of his past four games for club and country.

"Niclas has fit in very well," Dortmund coach Edin Terzic said on Thursday. "You can see what a positive person he is."

"He has helped us a lot with his quality and his activity."

Fuellkrug made his senior debut for Bremen's second team at the age of 18 before moving to the first team. The forward then bounced around German football for the best part of a decade, before returning to Bremen in 2019, with persistent knee injuries preventing Fuellkrug from reaching his potential.

The striker shared the Bundesliga top scorer trophy last season and has had a successful international career, with