HSV surprise: Lokonga could make a quick comeback! | OneFootball

HSV star Sambi Lokonga is set to return earlier than initially expected. He could already be in the squad against RB Leipzig.

The midfielder worked with the ball on the training ground for the first time on Tuesday. Just two and a half weeks ago, he suffered a lateral ligament tear in his left ankle during the 2-0 victory against 1. FC Heidenheim.

Together with rehab coach Sebastian Capel, the Belgian completed an individual program that according to Bild, appeared "smooth and effortless." This is a clear signal that the healing process is progressing faster than planned. HSV head coach Merlin Polzin confirmed the positive impressions and provided a concrete timeline: "Sambi will join team training during the week. The goal is for him to be in the squad over the weekend."

A starting lineup appearance against RB Leipzig is still too soon, however. Polzin made it clear: "He certainly won't be able to play from the start on Sunday. The goal is for him to be there, so we will gradually increase his training, and hopefully, it will work out."

Photo: Getty Images

HSV hopes for new impulses from Lokonga's return

After his summer transfer from FC Arsenal, Lokonga quickly became a central component in HSV's game. With his vision and already four goals, he brought a lot of quality to the team.

Nur die Raute – All news about HSV

But even without the Belgian, HSV recently showed remarkable stability. The 3-2 home win against Union Berlin and the 1-1 draw in Mainz extended the unbeaten streak to an impressive six games. This run is ideally to be extended against Leipzig.

In the duel with the fifth-placed team, Nicolai Remberg and Fabio Vieira will start again in the central midfield. This is also expected to be the case in the rescheduled match against Bayer Leverkusen three days later. However, in the away game against Wolfsburg (March 7), Lokonga is expected to be a serious candidate for the starting lineup.

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