Hamburger SV face the potential loss of another key midfielder for Saturday's Bundesliga home game against VfB Stuttgart. With Nicolai Remberg already ruled out long-term, his partner Albert Sambi Lokonga is now a doubt after feeling a minor reaction.
Head coach Merlin Polzin addressed the Belgian's condition in Thursday's press conference. "He felt a slight reaction after the Hoffenheim match and we naturally want to be very careful there so as not to take any unnecessary risk," said the HSV boss. Medical tests had been positive, allowing for a gradual increase in workload. Polzin hopes for a precise "touchdown" but added, "If it's not the case, we have lads who are already champing at the bit to take that place."
The absence of both players would break up a proven partnership. In the wins against 1. FC Köln, FC Copenhagen, and the 3-2 victory in Hoffenheim, Remberg and Lokonga consistently formed the defensive midfield axis. The 5-0 defeat to Mainz, from which Lokonga was absent, highlighted the vulnerability of this setup. Remberg, who had started every match prior, suffered a cruciate ligament injury in Hoffenheim and is out for months. His replacement Miro Muheim, however, proved his versatility there with a goal and an assist.
Merlin Polzin's team has recovered from a disastrous start of three losses and a 0-12 goal difference to sit 12th in the table with six points. The current form of three consecutive wins is encouraging, but the next opponent is strong. VfB Stuttgart, currently in 11th, won the last meeting 4-0 in April. The full overview of results so far and the upcoming fixtures illustrates the Rothosen's challenging path.
Alongside Muheim, 21-year-old new signing Kofi Amoako comes into focus. The Ghanaian made his debut in Hoffenheim, coming on for Lokonga in the 76th minute. Another option could be Albert Grönbaek. The Dane returned from international duty with a thigh injury but, according to Polzin, could become a serious squad option again.
Lokonga's absence would be a significant blow to the burgeoning team spirit. The recent successes were built on stability and reliability in the centre of the park. If the Belgian is fit, it would significantly increase Merlin Polzin's tactical options. Preparations for the game against VfB Stuttgart, who sit just one point ahead, are underway under these circumstances. The match offers a chance to extend the positive run and climb the tight standings. The final decision on Lokonga's availability will be made after Friday's last training session.
First reported at kicker.de
