He’s indispensable: HSV hope for a comeback ahead of BVB showdown | OneFootball

HSV has clearly felt the absence of defensive all-rounder Nicolas Capaldo in recent weeks.

After suffering an abdominal muscle injury on March 1 against RB Leipzig (1:2), the Argentine had to watch the last three matches from the sidelines. HSV had still hoped to get the 27-year-old fit in time for the crucial relegation battle against 1. FC Köln (1:1).

“Capi is a very, very important player. He’s getting better and better,” head coach Merlin Polzin explained last week. However, the hoped-for “perfect timing” didn’t materialize against the Billy Goats.

In an overall tough match, it became clear once again just how important Capaldo is for HSV. Simply because of his active defensive style, the Red Shorts can hardly do without him. Thanks to his anticipation of opponents’ passes and his aggressive pressing, he also enables quick ball recoveries that can launch counterattacks or shift the game into the opponent’s half.

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HSV: Capaldo comeback possible against BVB

In the matches against Leipzig, Leverkusen, and Köln, this very component was missing. HSV’s game noticeably lacked dynamism and creativity. Because even though he is nominally a defensive player, Capaldo’s bold sprints and deep runs into the opponent’s penalty area are a significant part of the Hanseatic side’s offensive efforts.

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With a speed of up to 35 km/h, Capaldo is also one of the fastest players on the team. What’s more: he is even the fourth-fastest center-back in the current Bundesliga season!

Accordingly, a prompt return to the pitch would be extremely important. As Bild reports, Capaldo is set to rejoin team training in a slightly reduced capacity on Tuesday. If everything goes according to plan, he could return to the starting lineup on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund (6:30 p.m., Sky). However, HSV officials might choose to rest the South American as a precaution, giving him a three-week recovery period in combination with the upcoming international break.

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