Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira avoids lasting knee injury after red card incident | OneFootball

Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira has escaped a serious injury setback at Hamburg, but his red card against Union Berlin has left the club frustrated as they prepare to contest his suspension.

Vieira was sent off deep into stoppage time for a challenge on Leopold Querfeld in the goalless draw on Sunday, with referee Deniz Aytekin showing a straight red card for serious foul play.

The dismissal came as a major concern when the midfielder immediately went down clutching his knee, raising fears of a long-term problem.

Medical checks on Monday, however, provided relief for Hamburg, who confirmed that the 25-year-old has avoided lasting damage.

Vieira was able to travel back with his teammates after the match and has already shown signs of improvement in training.

The midfielder has been one of Hamburg’s most influential players since joining on loan from Arsenal late in the summer, starting three Bundesliga fixtures and adding much-needed creativity to their midfield.

His absence now comes not through injury, but through suspension. The DFB confirmed on Monday that Vieira will serve a two-match ban, a decision Hamburg are appealing against.

The club believe the punishment is excessive, citing Aytekin’s post-match comments that acknowledged the midfielder had tried to pull out of the challenge.

Head coach Merlin Polzin also argued that the dynamics of the incident were misjudged, insisting that the footage shows Vieira pulling back before making contact.

Hamburg’s appeal aims to reduce the suspension to a single game, which would allow Vieira to return against Mainz.

In the meantime, Polzin must adjust his midfield setup. Albert Sambi Lokonga, another Arsenal loanee, is a candidate to replace Vieira after limited involvement so far due to fitness concerns.

Lokonga has only made two substitute appearances since arriving but could now be given his first start. His ability to contribute in build-up play offers one solution, although Polzin is cautious with the Belgian given his recent injury record.

Alternatively, Nicolas Capaldo could return alongside Nicolai Remberg in a more defensive partnership, though Hamburg have lacked creativity when fielding that duo earlier this season.

Vieira’s red card may disrupt Hamburg’s rhythm, but the bigger picture is more positive. Avoiding a major injury ensures that one of their standout performers will be available in the long run once disciplinary matters are resolved.

For a side fighting to establish stability in the Bundesliga, that comes as an important relief.