Another HSV injury? Poulsen on his early substitution | OneFootball

For Yussuf Poulsen, the friendly against FC Copenhagen ended earlier than planned. Afterwards, he gave the all-clear.

The striker, who was part of the starting lineup, lasted not even 20 minutes. “I took a blow to the calf, and it tightened up,” Poulsen reported (via Bild). He then told coach Merlin Polzin that he could feel it and was unable to fully follow through on his sprints. Polzin reacted immediately and brought on Otto Stange, who had just returned from Germany’s U20 national team and provided one or two attacking sparks.

Poulsen, for his part, was frustrated by his brief appearance, but also made it clear: “I could move well, but not sprint. In a game where no points are at stake, there’s no sense in risking anything.” After all, HSV travel to face TSG Hoffenheim, who are level on points with them, as early as next Saturday. According to his own statement, the Dane’s involvement is not in doubt. “I’m not injured,” he stressed after the match, adding: “It’ll be fine again in two days.”

Photo: IMAGO

HSV are relying on Poulsen

So it seems nothing stands in the way of a place in the starting lineup. Poulsen was in pole position for several reasons. On the one hand, because of his jump in form: the 32-year-old was thoroughly convincing after coming on against 1. FC Köln and probably delivered his strongest performance since arriving in Hamburg. On the other hand, there is a lack of alternatives. Patson Daka, who started four of the first five competitive matches, returned from international duty with Zambia with a torn muscle fiber and is unavailable for the time being.

Nur die Raute – All the news about HSV

In addition, another option, Terem Moffi, is struggling with knee problems. The Nigerian, signed from Nice, still needs a bit more time to adapt based on his performances so far. Stange, who came on for Poulsen, is instead used by Polzin more as a player who operates energetically behind the lone striker. That likely made the caution all the greater once Poulsen reported his calf issues.

Photo: IMAGO

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.