Ahead of clash with HSV: BVB boss Kovac talks about returning players | OneFootball

Good news from Niko Kovac (54). In the Bundesliga duel against Hamburger SV on Saturday (March 21, 6:30 PM), the BVB coach can rely on Daniel Svensson (24). He also announces updates on Emre Can (32).

In the match against FC Augsburg (2:0), Svensson left the field with a bandaged ankle. However, the left-back did not sustain a serious injury. "Daniel trained again today without any problems," Kovac announced on Thursday at the press conference before the match against the promoted team. "He is fit to play against HSV," is his message.

Filippo Mane (21), who has been struggling with a muscle injury for weeks, is not yet an option. The central defender is "expected to join team training soon," Kovac reveals. Emre Can underwent surgery after his cruciate ligament rupture and is back in Dortmund, the head coach informs. He can draw from a full squad: "Otherwise, everyone is healthy." The youngsters Mathis Albert (16) and Samuele Inácio (17) have moved up to professional training.

Kovac has high praise for his counterpart on the coaching bench. "I am pleased with how HSV has done so far," the native Berliner praises the former Bundesliga giant. Merlin Polzin (35) is doing "a really good job." The BVB coach is convinced: "It will be another very intense game, HSV will stand compact and want to rely on counterattacks." However, the points should stay in Dortmund: "We are doing really well at home, the best team in the second half of the season – we want to maintain that and win the game."

Brandt approaching milestone

Currently, Carney Chukwuemeka is taking on the role of a supplementary player. The midfielder is in the national team squad of his birth country Austria. However, at his club, he usually only comes on as a substitute. "Carney hasn't gotten the minutes every player wishes for," Kovac shows understanding. Recently, the 22-year-old has been troubled by muscular problems.

Chukwuemeka is "hungry again," says Kovac and adds: "You could tell." In the 3:3 draw in Frankfurt, it took the youngster only a few minutes to turn a 2:3 deficit into a draw. "When players come on, they have to make a difference," he demands.

Photo: IMAGO

The departure of Julian Brandt (29) in the summer is certain. But before that, he will play his 300th official match for BVB. The technician needs just one more game to reach this milestone. "It wouldn't be nice of me if I couldn't manage to let him play once in the next eight games," Kovac explains with a wink.

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