Polzin provides update on Yussuf Poulsen

HSV coach Merlin Polzin has provided an update on Yussuf Poulsen, who is working his way back to full fitness.

After joining Hamburger SV from RB Leipzig over the summer, Yussuf Poulsen was immediately handed the captain’s armband by head coach Merlin Polzin.

The 31-year-old, however, has yet to start a game for the newly-promoted side due to recurring injury problems.

Poulsen has now returned to partial team training, with Polzin keen to reintegrate him step by step.

“The weekly plan is designed so that he gradually takes part in activities with the team, slowly increasing his involvement in game-like situations,” Polzin told Bild.

“We will deliberately manage Yussuf’s workload step by step. Only this way can we maintain him at a consistent level.”

It remains uncertain whether Poulsen will be fit enough to feature in HSV’s squad for Sunday’s clash with Union Berlin. 

If that proves too soon, a return against Mainz on October 5 seems likely, provided he avoids any further setbacks.