Numerous absences: can this youngster make the HSV squad? | OneFootball

HSV head into the important home match against FC Augsburg in a highly unusual position.

Instead of having an abundance of options, there is suddenly a shortage of personnel. No fewer than seven first-team players are unavailable, meaning coach Merlin Polzin’s squad virtually picks itself. But that very situation opens up a rare opportunity for a young talent.

The focus is on Shafiq Nandja. The 19-year-old center-back from the club’s own academy could make the matchday squad for a Bundesliga game for the first time. So far, he has mainly gained playing time with the U21s, but he also trains regularly with the first team. After his first call-up in the cup against Holstein Kiel, he could now get another chance to experience the home-match atmosphere at the Volksparkstadion.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV: Nandja or Katterbach in the squad against Augsburg?

However, the decision is still open. According to Mopo information, Nandja is battling Noah Katterbach for the final open spot in the squad. Katterbach has hardly been considered by the first team so far and was even close to leaving in the winter. At the latest after the end of the season, their paths could finally part.

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In a way, both defenders are also fighting for their future. Nandja’s contract expires in the summer, while Katterbach is likely to leave HSV early despite having a longer-term deal. That makes this small but important moment all the more significant.

Because one thing is also clear: the chance of a place in the squad could be gone again sooner rather than later. Several regular starters are already set to return next week. Nicolai Remberg is currently serving a suspension for yellow-card accumulation, and the injured Nicolas Capaldo is also a candidate for a comeback.

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