Albert Sambi Lokonga’s fitness on HSV’s radar before Stuttgart clash

Hamburger SV are monitoring Albert Sambi Lokonga closely ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga meeting with VfB Stuttgart, after the midfielder showed a small reaction following the win over Hoffenheim.

The Belgian has not trained at full intensity this week. Coach Merlin Polzin explained that Sambi has a history of injuries and that Hamburg have always managed his workload carefully.

“Sambi had relatively many injuries before his time at HSV,” Polzin said. “Now he had a small reaction after the game in Hoffenheim.”

The club began the week cautiously, with tests showing that his workload could be increased gradually. Sambi has already taken part in part of team training, but his availability remains uncertain.

“At the end, he should feel 100 per cent that he can help the team and play freely,” Polzin said. “We will wait and see today and tomorrow whether that is the case.”

Polzin is hoping for a “perfect landing” before the Stuttgart fixture. If Sambi does not make it, Hamburg would have to reshape their central midfield, with captain Nicolai Remberg already unavailable.