HSV hopeful over Albert Sambi Lokonga return

Hamburger SV are growing optimistic about having Albert Sambi Lokonga back soon after the midfielder missed the 3–1 Nordderby defeat to Werder Bremen.

In the club’s latest training update, HSV confirmed the 26-year-old worked individually on Tuesday with rehab coach Sebastian Capel, a sign that his recovery is moving in the right direction.

Sporting director Claus Costa sounded encouraged when speaking on the sidelines of the session. “Unfortunately, Sambi didn’t make the cut for Bremen. I’m an optimistic guy who believes he can make progress,” he said, while stressing that it is still too early to give a firm prediction for the weekend. Costa added that the club also feel “Optimism that he will return to team training soon.”

HSV’s medical team are managing Lokonga’s workload carefully to avoid any setbacks after his recent issues. A comeback in Saturday’s home game against TSG Hoffenheim is not guaranteed, but the latest progress means an appearance is now realistically on the table. Much will depend on whether he can take the next step and rejoin full team training over the next few days.