HSV brace for Frankfurt clash as six starters miss DFB-Pokal tie

HSV face Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal today while six regulars, including Fabio Vieira, Bilal Nadir and Yussuf Poulsen, are sidelined through injury, leaving the Hamburger side scrambling for options.

Injury list expands after Paderborn defeat

Vieira suffered a muscle‑fibre tear in his thigh during the 0‑1 loss at Paderborn and will not be available until the Nord‑Derby against Werder Bremen on 22 November. Bilal Nadir also injured his thigh in the same game, damaging both a muscle and a tendon, with his return still uncertain. Yussuf Poulsen was substituted at half‑time because of hip problems and is ruled out for both the cup and the Bundesliga encounter.

Additional setbacks include Nicolás Capaldo and Jordan Torunarigha, who picked up muscular issues in Paderborn and will miss at least the Pokal. Long‑term captain Nicolai Remberg remains out with a cruciate‑ligament rupture, bringing the tally of absent potential starters to six.

Frankfurt’s eel outwits the Hamburger whale in DFB-Pokal

Coach Polzin reshuffles line‑up for double‑header

HSV will meet Eintracht Frankfurt twice in five days – the DFB‑Pokal today at 18:00 and the Bundesliga match on Sonntag at 17:30 in Hamburg – meaning the club must cope with zwei Mal reduced options.

Merlin Polzin rejected a victim narrative, saying, "We do not want to play the victim role. I have fewer choices, but I am eager for the challenge." He confirmed that Terem Moffi is set to start in the cup, with Patson Daka earmarked as Als Joker and Otto Stange also on the bench.

Sander Tangvik, who rotated into goal in the first round against SC Verl, will again guard the net, while Daniel Heuer Fernandes receives a rest. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Albert Grönbaek, both recently substituted in Paderborn, are back in contention for the starting eleven.

Polzin added, "Frankfurt bring a lot of power. We are excited and will be ready – the Volkspark will shake." The club hopes the reshuffled squad can cope with the injury‑hit situation and deliver in both the Pokal and the upcoming Bundesliga clash.