Will Key Players Return to Bolster HSV's Defense against Braunschweig?
Tim Walter, HSV's coach, is keeping a close eye on his squad's injury situation as they gear up for their home match against the lowly-placed Braunschweig. The team currently lies 17th in the table, having amassed just eight points so far this season.
Following a well-deserved break, Walter and his players restarted their preparations for the 24th of November clash on Monday.
Walter faces an anxious wait, four days before the confrontation, to ascertain which defensive stalwarts will be available.
On a positive note, Guilherme Ramos might be the silver lining. The Portuguese star, who has been grappling with adductor issues, appears to be making good progress. He managed to participate in significant portions of the team's training and, according to Walter, should have enough time to heal before the deadline.
However, who will line up alongside Ramos remains uncertain. Two notable absences are Sebastian Schonlau (calf) and Dennis Hadzikadunic (suspended due to five yellow cards). Schonlau, the team captain and defensive leader, was limited to individual drills on Monday.
Moritz Heyer could potentially anchor the central defense alongside Ramos. While Heyer is a valuable asset, his performances have recently drawn criticism from Walter. Heyer's time at HSV has seen him evolve from a versatile all-rounder into a more specialized role.
Stephan Ambrosius is another player eager to rejoin the squad following injuries to his ankle and muscles. Ambrosius took part in an individual training session with fitness coach Sebastian Capel on Monday. The aim is to facilitate his quick return to team practice, potentially paving the way for involvement in the Braunschweig match.
If Ambrosius' recovery takes longer, the possibility of a surprise inclusion emerges. Valon Zumberi, a Kosovo U21 captain, has yet to make an appearance in the 2nd division this season. His debut may be imminent, as Friday's fixture comes too soon for Ignace Van der Brempt, who has been battling a torn muscle fiber.
Van der Brempt, however, showed promising signs of recovery on Monday as he engaged in some light exercises with the ball. His potential return could bolster the team for the city derby against FC St. Pauli on the 1st of December.
The injury concerns, coupled with the unpredictable nature of returns, leave Walter with limited options for the central defense. The availability of talent like Valon Zumberi, who have yet to break through, could present an opportunity for Walter to rejuvenate the defensive line ahead of the Second Bundesliga fixtures.
Data Sources:
Enrichment Data, not included in the output due to the base article's content focus, suggests that Davie Selke, Ludovit Reis, and Valon Zumberi are all expected to return from their respective injuries by late January 2025.
