Hamburg – HSV coach Merlin Polzin is preparing for a busy week of Bundesliga action, starting with a home match against RB Leipzig on Sunday evening. With matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg looming, Polzin has indicated he will rotate his squad, but nearly has a full complement of players available for the encounter at the Volksparkstadion. The focus now shifts to navigating a challenging schedule and securing vital points in the Bundesliga table.
Polzin confirmed at a press conference that Albert Grönbaek and Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit remain sidelined with injuries, but otherwise, the squad is “fit and ready” for Sunday’s match. This positive injury report presents Polzin with tough decisions, as 22 field players participated in Saturday’s final training session, meaning four will be left out of the matchday squad.
Sambi Lokonga Returns to Boost HSV Midfield
A significant boost for HSV is the return of midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in February. The 26-year-old Belgian, who joined HSV from Arsenal last summer for a reported €300,000, has quickly become a key player, contributing four goals alongside his strong performances in both attack and defense. Lokonga’s return provides Polzin with a valuable option in central midfield.
Lokonga suffered an outer ligament tear in his ankle during the 2-0 victory over Heidenheim in early February. He returned to team training this week and has progressed well, earning him a place in the squad for the Leipzig match. While a starting position isn’t guaranteed, his availability is a welcome addition for the Rothosen.
Polzin acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead, stating, “We’ll have to find smart solutions, and we’re on a good path to performing at our best in all three matches.” He emphasized the strength of the squad, highlighting the benefit of having options for rotation.
HSV enters the match against Leipzig looking to extend their impressive home form. The Rothosen haven’t lost at the Volksparkstadion since a 1-0 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg at the end of October. The previous encounter against Leipzig was a narrow 2-1 loss despite a strong performance, serving as a reminder of the challenges ahead.
Polzin stressed the quality of the opposition, stating that RB Leipzig is “one of the absolute top teams in the Bundesliga.” He expects a high-intensity match, citing Leipzig’s speed and individual quality as key threats. “It starts at the back and continues to the front,” Polzin added, underscoring the need for a comprehensive defensive effort.
Despite the challenging opponent, HSV aims to build on their strong home record. Polzin wants his team to not only deliver a good performance but also secure a positive result. The coach is focused on finding “smart solutions” to overcome Leipzig’s strengths and capitalize on their own opportunities.
Looking ahead to the upcoming matches against Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, Polzin is already considering the workload on his players. He is prioritizing player fitness and ensuring the team remains competitive throughout the busy week. The coach is keen to avoid complaints about the tight schedule and focus on maximizing performance in each game.
The match against RB Leipzig is scheduled for Sunday evening at 19:30 CET at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. HSV will be looking to continue their positive momentum and climb the Bundesliga table. The return of Sambi Lokonga provides a significant boost, but Polzin will need to carefully manage his squad to navigate the demanding week ahead.
The availability of a nearly full squad allows Polzin the luxury of making tactical adjustments and ensuring his players are fresh for each match. This strategic approach will be crucial as HSV aims to secure valuable points in their quest for a successful Bundesliga campaign.
HSV fans will be eager to spot their team compete against one of the league’s top sides and witness the impact of Sambi Lokonga’s return. The atmosphere at the Volksparkstadion is expected to be electric as the Rothosen look to extend their unbeaten run at home.
Next up for HSV is a mid-week clash against Bayer Leverkusen, followed by a trip to face Wolfsburg on Saturday. Polzin will continue to assess his squad and make necessary adjustments to ensure his team remains competitive throughout the busy schedule.
