Vuskovic is back! Which HSV defender will have to make way now? | OneFootball

At HSV, the personnel situation in defense is more relaxed than ever before. The Red Shorts even have a real luxury problem.

After serving his yellow card suspension, defensive leader Luka Vuskovic returns to the squad. Coach Merlin Polzin now faces a tricky decision: Who will have to make way in the home game against RB Leipzig (Sunday, 7:30 p.m.)?

The fact that this question even arises is due to the overall stable performance in the 1-1 draw in Mainz. Despite the absence of their captain, HSV’s defense presented itself as surprisingly solid. Above all, Jordan Torunarigha impressed in the center of defense with a strong performance and earned special praise after the final whistle. Alongside him, Warmed Omari defended on the right center-back position, while vice-captain Nicolas Capaldo played on the left.

Capaldo is now considered almost indispensable. His consistency and leadership role clearly argue for another start in the lineup. Bild therefore expects a duel between Omari and Torunarigha.

Photo: Getty Images

HSV: Does Omari have to go to the bench because of Torunarigha?

The current form curve provides a strong argument in favor of Torunarigha. The Nigerian international presented himself as the most stable defender in Mainz and could be rewarded for his strong performance. In this scenario, Capaldo would move to the right side next to Vuskovic. Omari, who has recently made some sloppy mistakes in build-up play, would initially have to take a seat on the bench.

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But Polzin’s considerations go beyond the Leipzig game. An English week is coming up: just three days later, the rescheduled match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen awaits, before the important away game at VfL Wolfsburg next Saturday. Rotation therefore seems almost inevitable.

A possible candidate for a breather is Capaldo, whose playing style is the most intense. Then both Omari and Daniel Elfadli could return to the starting lineup. Elfadli had lost his place in recent weeks and is currently only the fifth-choice center-back.

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