Merlin Polzin had close to a full squad at his disposal as preparations began for the home game against SC Freiburg. Fabio Vieira was absent for a rather unusual reason.

The 19-year-old Norway youth international has suffered a setback on the road to recovery from the Syndesmosis injury he suffered at the start of the year, and will need to undergo surgery.

HSV can already start planning for next season, having achieved their target of staying up after just 32 matchdays. That is a major success in and of itself.

The new home shirt is more than just a retro design.