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Füchse Berlin fear that Arnoldsen-comeback could prove a nasty surprise in Aalborg

Thomas Arnoldsen could prove a nasty surprise for Füchse
Thomas Arnoldsen could prove a nasty surprise for FüchseČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Gonzales Photo/Mads Andersen
Füchse Berlin fear that Danish international, Thomas Arnoldsen, who made his comeback for Aalborg over the weekend, could play a vital role for the home side, when the Germans on Wednesday travel to Aalborg for the return leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

After a convincing 37-29 win in the first Champions League quarter-final against Aalborg Handball, the Danes are left with a mountain to climb before the return leg in Northern Jutland. 

But the German league leaders are set to face a different Aalborg team than last week.

It has not escaped the Germans' attention that world champion and Olympic gold medalist Thomas Arnoldsen made a comeback for Aalborg in the past weekend after being out of action for seven matches.

"I expect a different match than the first match, not least because Thomas Arnoldsen will probably play. It makes their attacking intentions more lively and dangerous", says Füchse coach Jaron Siewert to the club's website.

Thomas Arnoldsen was back for Aalborg on Sunday and scored two goals in the play-off match against Skanderborg AGF.

It was his first appearance in a month and a half after he suddenly failed to appear on team-sheets after a match on 8 March. 

It was not until mid-April that club director Jan Larsen announced that the playmaker needed physical and mental rest. Arnoldsen has also struggled with a form of mental exhaustion earlier in his career.

But now Arnoldsen is set to make a comeback in the Champions League against Danish national team-mates Mathias Gidsel, Lasse Andersson in the Gigantium Arena.

"It is a big dream to reach the Final 4 in Cologne, but Aalborg is very strong at home. A hostile reception awaits us, and the team will be very motivated. They are a world class team especially with the return of Thomas Arnoldsen", says sports director Stefan Kretzschmar.

The match will be played at 18.45 CET Wednesday evening.