HSV’s cautious path to Mario Vuskovic’s November comeback

On a crisp September morning the empty HSV training pitch at the Volksparkstadion awaited the return of 24‑year‑old Croatian centre‑back Mario Vuskovic, as the club confirmed he will rejoin team training in mid‑September and become eligible for Bundesliga matches on 16 November.

HSV will conduct extensive medical, endurance and performance examinations before granting full team training; muscle‑strength tests will decide whether Vuskovic joins his teammates straight away or starts with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel. Sporting director Claus Costa warned the club cannot build squad plans around him, saying the defender’s shape on return is unknown and that relying on him would be naive.

During his four‑year doping suspension Vuskovic was limited to individual work, keeping fit with personal trainer Josko Vlasic, father of Torino and Croatia attacker Nikola Vlasic. Vlasic told Sport the defender is now faster, more agile, more compact and better on the ball, though whether these gains translate to Bundesliga level remains to be seen.

Vuskovic last appeared for the Rothosen on 9 November 2022. He will formally return under a new contract on 16 November after HSV terminated his previous agreement following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling. The new deal features a low base salary that rises only with regular playing time, limiting the club’s financial exposure.

HSV originally secured Vuskovic on loan from Hajduk Split for €1.2 million in 2021 and completed a €3 million permanent transfer a year later. He quickly became a regular starter, reaching an estimated market value of €5 million and recording 47 competitive appearances, three goals and two assists for the club.

Hamburg continue to search for central‑defence reinforcements after Luka Vuskovic’s loan spell ended; if Mario regains match fitness his return could bolster Hamburg’s defensive options without imposing a heavy financial burden, aligning with the club’s cautious rebuilding strategy.

Luka Vuskovic, who wore his brother’s No 44 shirt, repeatedly expressed a desire to line up alongside Mario, a storyline that featured prominently during the January Hamburg derby controversy.