Aron Johannsson nearing Werder Bremen XI after injury ordeal

Aron Johannsson is edging towards his first Werder Bremen involvement in 11 months.

A bright beginning to the United States international's Bundesliga career was halted by a hip injury last September, resulting in surgery and rehabilitation back in Iceland - the homeland of his parents and where he spent much of his childhood.

The 25-year-old's comeback started last week in Bremen's friendly against SV Meppen and continued against Ingolstadt. The attacker's since been identified as a potential replacement for 37-year-old Claudio Pizarro, who's dealing with a muscle issue.

"Aron is a good alternative," Bremen coach Viktor Skripnik told Kreiszeitung Syke, according to ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld. "He puts a lot of pressure on the other players."

Pizarro is expected to spend 10 days in the treatment room, meaning Johannsson's opportunities could come in Sunday's DFB-Pokal tilt with third-tier Sportfreunde Lotte and Aug. 26's league opener at Bayern Munich.