Not just Poulsen missing: HSV facing attacking crisis! | OneFootball

After the defeat against Hoffenheim, HSV wants to celebrate a conciliatory end to the year against Frankfurt. But the signs could be much better.

Normally, not much happens at press conferences before a matchday. The discussion revolves around how the training week has gone so far, respect for the opponent is preached, and the intention to secure three points is emphasized.

But this Thursday, HSV coach Merlin Polzin came with a lot of news that went far beyond those usual banalities. As the 35-year-old announced, the Red Shorts will have to do without Jean-Luc Dompé and Yussuf Poulsen against Eintracht Frankfurt (20.12, 3:30 p.m.). While Dompé is expected to return after the winter break, Poulsen will likely be out for a longer period. “We don’t know the exact diagnosis yet,” said Polzin. “It’s not a good moment for him or for us.”

But that’s not all. There’s also a big question mark over the participation of creative head Fabio Vieira. Due to illness, the Portuguese spent the past training days not on the football pitch, but in his own bed.

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Since Robert Glatzel and Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit will also be missing until the end of the year, HSV is slowly running out of attacking options in the final stretch of the first half of the season. If Vieira really can’t play against Frankfurt, the attacking line will likely consist of Fabio Balde, Ransford Königsdörffer, and Rayan Philippe.

Polzin’s only other alternatives are Emir Sahiti and Bakery Jatta. The catch: combined, both players have only played 217 Bundesliga minutes. Sahiti wasn’t even in the squad for ten of the last eleven matches, and Polzin sees Jatta more as a wingback than a classic winger. Given the current injury crisis, however, the duo should at least be part of the squad. The same goes for Immanuel Pherai, who has also only made four appearances this season.

But just before the holidays, the second offensive unit suddenly takes on a surprisingly important role. More than ever, HSV will have to rely on their defensive strength and fighting spirit against Eintracht.

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