HSV Faces Intense Squad Challenges as Jean-Luc Dompé's Suspension Impacts Transfers and Team Lineup

Hamburger SV (HSV) is grappling with significant team difficulties following the suspension of winger Jean-Luc Dompé, which is casting doubt over the club's transfer plans and complicating preparations ahead of an important match against Bayern Munich. The suspension has raised concerns over whether planned transfers will proceed as intended, potentially disrupting the club’s efforts to bolster their squad mid-season.

Coach Merlin Polzin is confronting a mounting injury crisis alongside Dompé’s absence. Key offensive players Yussuf Poulsen and Alexander Røssing-Lelesiit remain sidelined long-term, while Fabio Baldé suffers from a tendon strain, Damion Downs is doubtful with a calf injury, and Robert Glatzel battles illness. This leaves Polzin searching for creative lineup solutions, including reintroducing Albert Sambi Lokonga and repositioning Fabio Vieira on the half-right, while the left wing demands an unconventional approach.

Polzin remains optimistic despite the unprecedented injury and suspension list, emphasizing the need for hard work and tactical adaptation. He remarked, "There are not many players available for certain positions... We will find good solutions. I am not worried and far from complaining." Reflecting on a heavy earlier 5-0 defeat by Bayern, Polzin said, "Now we have made progress and want to show we can do better."

Meanwhile, details on transfer activities reveal a new HSV star with a significant buyout clause has already arrived, but Dompé’s suspension puts some deals at risk, with players potentially moving out amid these challenges. This tumultuous period for HSV highlights a complex intersection of off-field issues and on-field struggles as the club prepares for a crucial Bundesliga encounter.