Polzin confirms absence: HSV without Glatzel vs Freiburg! | OneFootball

On Sunday (3:30 p.m., DAZN), HSV host SC Freiburg for their final home match of the season. A win could lift them up to 11th place.

However, the Rothosen will have to do without goalgetter Robert Glatzel. Head coach Merlin Polzin confirmed on Thursday at the press conference that the 32-year-old will be unavailable. “Bobby has been dealing with a calf strain in recent days, so we’re not taking any further risks,” Polzin explained.

That means a spot will open up in the center of HSV’s attack. Glatzel started four of the last five matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist in that span. Youngster Otto Stange is an option to replace him, with Polzin once again specifically praising his work rate in training. Compared to other candidates such as Rayan Philippe or Damion Downs, Stange appears to have a good chance. Captain Yussuf Poulsen, who only recently returned from a long injury layoff, is also primarily being considered as an impact substitute for the final stretch of the season.

Alternatively, Polzin could opt for Ransford Königsdörffer as the only natural center forward and play Philip Otele out wide. The Nigerian returns to the squad after serving a two-match suspension.

Photo: Getty Images

HSV: Muheim appearance still uncertain

HSV therefore have plenty of personnel options ahead of their home finale. But besides Glatzel, two more players are also expected to be unavailable. Left winger Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit picked up an injury in team training last week and is set to miss out again. Surgery has even been mentioned as a possibility.

Nur die Raute – All the latest news on HSV

There is still some hope in the case of Miro Muheim, however. “With Miro, it will be tight in terms of making the squad for Sunday,” said Polzin. “But today he already took part in parts of team training.” The Swiss defender suffered an injury to the anterior syndesmosis in his right ankle in the Nordderby against Werder Bremen (1:3) around three weeks ago, which led HSV to expect that his season was over early. However, Muheim returned faster than expected and is expected to be back in the Hanseatic club’s squad by matchday 34 at the latest against Bayer Leverkusen (May 16).

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