Comeback nears: HSV keeping “a place in the squad” for Vuskovic | OneFootball

HSV fans still have to be a little patient. But the end of an exceptionally long wait is getting closer and closer.

In November, Mario Vuskovic will be allowed to take the field again for the Rothosen after his four-year suspension. He will also be able to take part in team training as early as September, which is why anticipation for the Croat’s long-awaited comeback is clearly growing.

What’s more, Vuskovic evidently still enjoys a great deal of trust. Despite the long enforced break, the 24-year-old remains firmly in HSV’s plans. Mopo even reports that the club is “keeping a spot in the squad open for him.” The decision-makers hold the center-back’s sporting qualities in extremely high regard.

However, the situation remains complex. Vuskovic has been working intensively on his return for months and is said to be in excellent physical condition. The key question, however, is how quickly he can readjust to everyday professional football. Four years without team training or competitive matches of any kind inevitably leave their mark.

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HSV searching for a new defensive leader

That is precisely why HSV are not basing their squad planning solely on Vuskovic’s return. By the time the right-footer is eligible to play again in November, the Bundesliga season will already be several matchdays old. Naturally, the Hanseatic club need to be defensively solid from the very first matchday — and without Vuskovic.

That also explains why the squad planners around sporting director Claus Costa are keeping a very close eye on the transfer market despite having a nominally large number of center-back options. Their top priority is signing a new defensive leader. Ironically, that role was filled last season by Vuskovic’s younger brother Luka. However, the exceptional talent is returning to parent club Tottenham Hotspur after a one-year loan spell.

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