The Wolves return to pre-season action against Dutch top-flight outfit VVV-Venlo on Saturday 13 July. The game at the Gifhorner Flutmulde kicks off at 15:30 CEST.
Steffen, Mehmedi and Arnold to return
Following back-to-back 2-1 wins against F.C. Hansa Rostock and SM Caen, head coach Oliver Glasner’s side are looking to take the next step in their preparations for the new campaign by registering a third straight victory. “We just want to make another small improvement compared to our first two games,” said the 44-year-old. “That’s the objective.”
Glasner was without several first-choice players against Caen earlier this week, but the Green-Whites’ injury woes are beginning to ease. Renato Steffen, Admir Mehmedi and Maximilian Arnold are set to return in Gifhorn, but the game comes too soon for VfL skipper Josuha Guilavogui, Ignacio Camacho, Jeffrey Bruma and Daniel Ginczek. Paulo Otavio, who has been training on his own due to a muscle problem, could be involved against VVV, while fellow new arrival Xaver Schlager is set to make his first appearance for VfL on Saturday afternoon.
“We want to take our fans on our journey”
As was the case against Rostock, Glasner will field two separate teams in each half this weekend, giving VfL fans the chance to see the majority of the Green-Whites squad in action. The match in Gifhorn is expected to be well attended by Wolves supporters, much to the delight of Glasner and his players. “It was a big incentive for us to play our friendlies in Wolfsburg and the surrounding area to be close to our fans,” said the VfL coach. “Playing in Gifhorn obviously means we don’t have to travel far, but the main reason was of course to be near our fans and take them with us on our journey. That’s why playing locally is so ideal.”
