Vuskovic replacement: Polzin has several candidates | OneFootball

HSV will have to do without Luka Vuskovic for the away game in Mainz. Coach Merlin Polzin discussed how he plans to compensate for the absence.

It was foreseeable that Luka Vuskovic would be absent. For more than a month, he has been playing with four warnings. During the recent home victory over Union Berlin (3:2), the 18-year-old had no choice in the 50th minute but to stop a counterattack with a rugged tackle against Ilyas Ansah. Referee Florian Badstübner immediately showed the yellow card.

The logical consequence: Vuskovic will not be available on Friday evening against direct competitor Mainz 05. He was also absent at the start of the training week. However, HSV fans need not worry. The central defender is in his Croatian homeland after consulting with the coaching team. “Luka has not only played every game for us, but he was also constantly on the move for the national team during international breaks, playing for several teams. It was important to us that he has now earned this break. Moreover, we benefit more if he can clear his head for two days,” explained Merlin Polzin in the media round.

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Will Elfadli take over from Vuskovic?

Vuskovic is expected back in Hamburg as early as this Tuesday evening. He will also make the trip to Mainz. “He requested it because he really wants to be there. That's a good sign once again,” praised Polzin, who has to do without the high-flyer for the first time since the second matchday. Therefore, the question arises of who will replace the undisputed defensive leader despite his young age.

The head coach has several candidates in mind: “Daniel Efadli is not unfamiliar with this position; he played it at the beginning of the season. Warmed Omari, who was able to do more in training today and looks good for Friday, would also be an option.” Theoretically, Jordan Torunarigha could also occupy the central defense. However, he is likely to play again in the half-left position. Nicolás Capaldo seems set for the half-right position.

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Clarity will ultimately only come on match day. “We haven't decided exactly how we will do it and are still waiting for the training week,” Polzin kept his cards close to his chest. Throughout the season, he has often surprised with his lineups, but given the performances and points tally, he has often been right.

Photo: IMAGO

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