Albert Sambi Lokonga faces late fitness test for Stuttgart game

Hamburger SV are facing a late decision over Albert Sambi Lokonga’s availability for Saturday’s Bundesliga home match against VfB Stuttgart, with the midfielder still struggling with thigh problems.

The 26-year-old missed Friday’s final training session with his teammates and instead completed an individual programme with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel. His fitness has been managed carefully throughout the week after he experienced discomfort following HSV’s 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim.

While the Hamburger Abendblatt reported that Lokonga was likely to miss the Stuttgart encounter, Bild suggests that his participation remains possible, with even a starting role not entirely ruled out.

Head coach Merlin Polzin has stressed that the club will not take unnecessary risks with the Belgian midfielder, particularly with captain Nicolai Remberg already sidelined for several months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

“We want to be cautious to avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Polzin explained. “He needs to feel 100 per cent that he can help the team and play freely. It is clear that it would be a very close call before the match.”

Lokonga will also have a say in the final decision, with his own assessment of his physical condition an important factor in determining whether he is ready to play.

If passed fit, the former Arsenal midfielder is expected to captain HSV against Stuttgart, having already worn the armband in the victory over Hoffenheim following Remberg’s injury.

Should Lokonga fail to recover in time, vice-captain Nicolas Capaldo is expected to take over the captaincy, while Kofi Amoako and Bilal Nadir could form the midfield partnership.

A final decision on Lokonga’s involvement is expected closer to kick-off, with HSV keen to avoid risking a longer absence for one of their key midfielders.