Season

27 players kick off week of training ahead of ‘matchday 1887’

Preparations for the home match against Union Berlin — which will also be HSV’s 1,887th Bundesliga game — have begun. The squad is bolstered by two Danes taking part in full training: Albert Grönbaek and Yussuf Poulsen.

HSV are heading into a very special matchday this weekend. On Saturday, the Rothosen will host 1. FC Union Berlin and former HSV coach Steffen Baumgart at the Volksparkstadion. The matchday 22 tie marks a historic moment for HSV, as it will be their 1,887th game in Germany’s top flight, meaning the club will become only the seventh Bundesliga side to reach their founding year in terms of Bundesliga appearances.

To begin training in this noteworthy week, head coach Merlin Polzin was able to draw on four goalkeepers and 23 outfield players at the Volkspark on Tuesday afternoon. Among them were winger Jean-Luc Dompé, captain Yussuf Poulsen and new signing Albert Grönbaek. The two Danes, who are each still waiting for their first HSV appearance in 2026, were able to be fully involved in the team training session. While Poulsen returns after recovering from an ankle injury suffered in mid-December, Grönbaek has been carefully eased in following a pre-existing injury and has gradually had his training workload increased since his move. Both will therefore be hoping to convince Polzin that they deserve a place in the squad against Union Berlin. Vice-captain Nicolas Capaldo is also very likely to return to the matchday squad after serving his yellow-card suspension, having missed the 2-0 away win at 1. FC Heidenheim.

Capaldo and Grönbaek are also contenders to fill a newly vacant position in midfield, as Albert Sambi Lokonga will definitely be unavailable. The 26-year-old has suffered a torn ligament in his ankle and was only able to train individually in the strength and conditioning room on Tuesday. Winger Fabio Balde (thigh problems) also remains in individual training, while Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit (torn syndesmosis ligament) continues his rehabilitation in his native Norway.

Three more training sessions will follow before Saturday’s matchday, during which Polzin will continue to assess his players closely in order to assemble a strong squad for this historic game.