Hamburg, January 17th – Hamburger SV coach Merlin Polzin has delivered reassuring news regarding the availability of two crucial players, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nicolas Capaldo, for the highly anticipated city derby against FC St. Pauli. Both players, who had been nursing injuries, are set to return to the squad for Friday’s match.
Polzin Expresses Satisfaction with Team’s Performance Despite Draw
Following a goalless draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Polzin expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their dominance in ball possession and defensive solidity. “If you compare the performance we showed today with the start of the season, in terms of dominance in possession, grip, and composure against the ball, it was very impressive,” Polzin stated. However, he also emphasized the need for results. “Nevertheless, it’s not just about highlighting our performance; it’s about getting results. We didn’t manage that today. But we will never feel bad when we get a point in the Bundesliga after seven years in the Second League.”
Rivals Fail to Capitalize, St. Pauli Suffers Setback
Adding to HSV’s positive outlook, none of their direct competitors at the bottom of the table managed to secure a full three points. Significantly, their upcoming derby opponent, FC St. Pauli, experienced another late setback in their match against Dortmund.
Double All-Clear for Lokonga and Capaldo
Polzin confirmed that both Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nicolas Capaldo are expected to be fit for the derby. Lokonga, who missed the Mönchengladbach match due to a calf injury sustained in training, received a positive prognosis. “It’s nothing dramatic. The goal is for him to be available again on Friday,” Polzin said of HSV’s top scorer, whose offensive presence was notably missed against Gladbach.
Similarly, Nicolas Capaldo, the vice-captain, who was substituted during the Mönchengladbach game due to muscular problems in his thigh, is also expected to play. Polzin explained, “His way of playing football is very intense. He simply felt something in his thigh and didn’t want to take any risks. But he will be available again on Friday.”
Vuskovic Cleared to Play His First City Derby
In further good news, central defender Luka Vuskovic will be able to participate in his first city derby as an HSV professional. Despite accumulating four yellow cards this season, Vuskovic avoided a booking against Mönchengladbach, ensuring his availability for the crucial match at Millerntor. In the reverse fixture, Vuskovic had only been signed the day before the game and, although in the squad, did not feature. This Friday, that will change.
Source: https://www.abendblatt.de/sport/hsv/article410959365/polzin-verkuendet-wichtige-derby-nachrichten-fuer-das-stadtderby.html
