Zakaria El Ouahdi set to miss HSV clash against Hoffenheim

Hamburger SV are expected to be without Zakaria El Ouahdi for Saturday’s Bundesliga away match against TSG Hoffenheim after the right-back continued to struggle with a cold.

The 24-year-old missed Friday’s final training session, according to reports from Hamburger Morgenpost and Hamburger Abendblatt, making his participation in the 15:30 kick-off highly unlikely.

El Ouahdi returned from international duty on Tuesday feeling unwell and was unable to train with his teammates on Wednesday or Thursday. His absence from the final session has now left HSV preparing for the possibility of playing without one of their regular starters.

The Moroccan defender has quickly established himself as an important member of the Hamburg squad since arriving from KRC Genk in early September. He has started every Bundesliga match since joining the club, bringing energy and attacking intent to the right flank.

El Ouahdi also impressed in HSV’s recent 2-1 victory over FC Koln, further underlining his importance to the team.

His potential absence would therefore represent a setback for coach Merlin Polzin, who must now consider alternative options at right-back ahead of a challenging away fixture.

HSV are expected to make a final assessment of their available players before travelling to Sinsheim, but the latest reports suggest El Ouahdi will not recover in time.