Hamburg prepare for Mario Vuskovic’s return following four-year doping suspension | OneFootball

Mario Vuskovic is drawing closer to his long-awaited Hamburg comeback following a four-year doping suspension. The 24-year-old will be permitted to rejoin HSV team training in mid-September. Vuskovic becomes eligible to feature in competitive matches again on November 16, though it remains unclear whether the Croatian centre-back will immediately be capable of competing at Bundesliga level.

Vuskovic last represented die Rothosen on November 9, 2022. He has since attempted to maintain his fitness with personal trainer Josko Vlasic, the father of Torino and Croatia attacker Nikola Vlasic. The defender was only permitted to train individually during his suspension.

HSV nevertheless plan to conduct extensive medical, endurance and performance examinations before allowing Vuskovic to resume full team training. Muscle-strength tests will also help determine whether he can immediately join his teammates or must initially work more closely with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel.

HSV refuse to base squad planning around Vuskovic

HSV sporting director Claus Costa already sought to temper expectations surrounding the defender’s comeback in May.

“Of course, we don’t know what kind of shape he’ll be in when he returns,” Costa said. “I don’t know of any comparable cases from which we can draw conclusions. But we can hardly wait for the day when he can train and play again.

“Since he won’t be available until the end of the year, we can’t base our squad planning on him,” Costa continued. “That would be naive.”

Hamburg remain in the market for reinforcements in central defence following the conclusion of Luka Vuskovic’s loan spell. The younger Vuskovic wore his brother’s No. 44 shirt during his season in Hamburg and repeatedly expressed his desire to play alongside Mario.

The brothers’ connection to HSV also featured prominently during January’s heated Hamburg derby controversy.

Personal trainer backs Vuskovic to return stronger

Vlašić believes Vuskovic’s individual work has left him physically better prepared than before his suspension.

“I think Mario is better now than ever before,” Vlašić told Sport Bild. “Faster, more agile, more compact and better on the ball than before.”

“He’s making great progress and is very motivated,” the former decathlete continued. “He’ll come out of this phase stronger and better.”

Whether those improvements translate immediately into Bundesliga football remains to be seen. Vuskovic has not played a competitive match in nearly four years and will require time to regain match fitness, timing and familiarity with team-based defensive work.

Vuskovic set to return under performance-related contract

Vuskovic will formally return under contract with HSV on November 16. The club terminated his previous agreement following the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport because of liability concerns.

His new deal reportedly contains a low base salary that will increase only if he earns regular playing time. The structure offers Vuskovic an opportunity to rebuild his professional career while limiting HSV’s financial risk should he struggle to return to his previous level.

The agreement could also keep the defender in Hamburg beyond the summer of 2027 if his comeback proves successful.

HSV initially acquired Vuskovic from Hajduk Split on loan for €1.2 million in 2021 before completing a €3 million permanent transfer one year later. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and reached an estimated market value of €5 million.

Vuskovic has made 47 competitive appearances for Hamburg, registering three goals and two assists. Further appearances could finally follow toward the end of the year.

GGFN | Peter Weis