Lilian Brassier expected to return for Eintracht Frankfurt against Hamburg

Lilian Brassier is expected to be available for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Bundesliga meeting with Hamburger SV on Sunday after missing Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal victory over the same opponents because of a minor knee problem.

The 26-year-old centre-back was left out of the squad for Frankfurt’s 3-1 win in Hamburg as head coach Adi Hütter opted against risking his fitness ahead of the upcoming fixtures.

According to Hessenschau, Brassier experienced discomfort in his knee following Frankfurt’s previous match against Borussia Dortmund and was not considered fully fit for the cup encounter. Hütter revealed that the defender was operating at around 70 per cent of his capacity, making an appearance too risky.

Frankfurt hopeful of defensive boost

Brassier’s absence forced Hütter to reshuffle his defence, with Jeremiaha Maluze stepping into the starting lineup alongside Robin Koch and the other defensive options.

However, the Frenchman’s expected return would provide Frankfurt with greater stability at the back ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga rematch.

The club have taken a cautious approach to his recovery, allowing him additional time to regain fitness rather than risk aggravating the problem during the cup tie.

Brassier could return to the starting lineup

Frankfurt will assess Brassier’s condition before the weekend fixture, but current reports suggest his absence is unlikely to be prolonged.

His defensive qualities and growing partnership with Koch have made him an important part of the team since joining the club.

With Frankfurt looking to secure another positive result against Hamburg, Brassier’s potential return would offer Hütter a timely boost.

A final decision on his involvement will depend on his recovery, but the signs are encouraging that the centre-back could return to the matchday squad and potentially reclaim his place in the starting eleven on Sunday.