New options against Bayer: How many changes will HSV make? | OneFootball

HSV approaches the Bundesliga clash against Bayer Leverkusen with significantly more personnel options. Nevertheless, Merlin Polzin faces a tricky decision.

"I'm glad that many of the sick players are back and we can almost draw from a full squad," Polzin explained on Monday, looking ahead to the "highlight match" against Leverkusen.

Apart from captain Yussuf Poulsen and Warmed Omari as well as Anssi Suhonen, all professionals are basically fit to play. However, the HSV coach does not want to make changes blindly. The load management at the beginning of the year is clearly different for him from the English weeks in autumn: "When you have an English week in October and November, it's a bit different after the preparation and the numerous games until then than now at the beginning of the year. To what extent we distribute the playing time during the game, we will decide during the match."

Players with a known injury history are particularly in focus. Jean-Luc Dompé has recently been rested multiple times to keep his recurring Achilles tendon problems under control. Sambi Lokonga, who was often slowed down by muscular issues last season, is also to be built up carefully. According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, the Belgian is expected to miss the match against the Werkself.

Additionally, there is the question of the fitness of wingers Rayan Philippe and Fabio Baldé, who were recently suffering from colds. The same applies to Emir Sahiti. However, the Kosovar is likely to have only an outsider chance of playing.

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HSV doesn't want to do it like against Heidenheim

A major rotation is not up for debate for Polzin despite the newly gained options. "It won't be like we did in the cup match in Heidenheim, where we made significantly more changes," he recalls. "We consider individually which player is in which condition. The break from Saturday to Tuesday is not too long. Let's see what we have together."

There is particular excitement in the Volkspark about Robert Glatzel. After his muscle fiber tear, the striker is internally "on green" again. Nevertheless, Polzin tempers expectations: "He would theoretically be available, but whether it makes sense, we'll see on Tuesday."

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