Jean-Luc Dompe nears HSV return after foot injury

Jean-Luc Dompe is edging closer to a comeback for Hamburg and could return to the matchday squad for Saturday’s home game against TSG Hoffenheim.

Head coach Merlin Polzin confirmed at Thursday’s pre-match press conference that the winger has rejoined parts of full team training after his recent foot problems.

Dompe had been sidelined with discomfort in his foot but gave encouraging signs on Wednesday when he was back out on the pitch with his teammates at the start of the session. However, HSV are still taking a cautious approach, and a final decision on his involvement against Hoffenheim will only be made after monitoring his reaction to the increased workload. Polzin explained that the staff will “müssen das Training abwarten, ob es für den Kader am kommenden Wochenende reicht,” making it clear they will not rush him back.

His potential return comes at a delicate time for Hamburg, with positional rival Philip Otele suspended following a recent red card. If Dompé receives the green light from the medical team, he would immediately provide Polzin with an important option from the bench as HSV look to keep their momentum against the Kraichgauer.