Vuskovic absence looms: how HSV could cope with the loss! | OneFootball

Before the northern derby at Werder Bremen, the focus at HSV is not only on having the right mindset. Squad concerns also remain an issue.

Because: defensive leader Luka Vuskovic is at risk of missing out with a knee bruise. The 19-year-old was unable to take part in Rothosen team training on both Tuesday and Wednesday. He had already missed the heavy 4-0 defeat at VfB Stuttgart.

Defensive colleague Daniel Elfadli, who replaced Vuskovic in Stuttgart, makes no secret of how important his teammate is. “For his age, Luka is an unbelievably mature player. He has shown all season what he is capable of,” the Bild quotes the 29-year-old as saying.

His physical presence in particular is almost impossible to replace. “He gives us unbelievable security when he wins his duels, and on the pitch you know he will clear every high ball. I’ve never seen anything like it myself,” Elfadli raves.

Photo: Getty Images

HSV can “only compensate together” for a Vuskovic absence

A possible absence would therefore hit HSV hard. But the Hanseatic club must and wants to be prepared for it. According to Elfadli, the solution can only lie in the collective: “The only way to compensate for him is together — like in Mainz.” There, Vuskovic had been absent around two months ago due to a suspension for yellow-card accumulation. Even so, HSV earned a 1-1 draw and allowed only a few chances.

Nur die Raute – All the news about HSV

In general, though, the focus is on team unity anyway. After the 4-0 debacle in Stuttgart, the team drew the right conclusions. “That it only works together. That not everyone can play for themselves,” Elfadli demands. Because HSV must be ready, especially in a heated derby. The atmosphere at the Weserstadion is well known; what matters is “being mentally prepared for what could happen.” They know, Elfadli says, “that it will be a hard-fought match.”

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