Sebastiaan Bornauw
HSV
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Mar 22, 1999 (27)
Right
6'3"
179 lb
Makes return in friendly
Bornauw returned to action in Sunday's friendly against Copenhagen after missing two matches before the international break due to muscular discomfort.
Analysis: Bornauw took another step in his recovery after already returning to full team training without discomfort earlier in the week. The friendly provides the center-back with an opportunity to rebuild match fitness after his brief absence. Bornauw is expected to return to the Bundesliga squad against Hoffenheim on Saturday and could immediately regain a place in the starting XI.
Set to return against Hoffenheim
Bornauw is expected to return for the Oct. 10 match against Hoffenheim after missing the last two matches with a muscular issue, according to Bild.
Analysis: Bornauw is nearing a return after completing Monday's training session without any apparent problems, suggesting he has largely recovered from the muscular issue. The center-back will have the international break to rebuild his workload after missing two consecutive matches. Bornauw should be available against Hoffenheim on Oct. 10 and will be in contention to return to the starting XI if he continues training without setbacks.
Ruled out against Koln
Bornauw (muscular) has been ruled out of Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Koln, according to coach Merlin Polzin. "Bornauw won't be fit for the match due to muscular problems"
Analysis: Bornauw will miss a second consecutive Bundesliga match after also sitting out the loss to RB Leipzig due to the muscular issue. The center-back had initially been considered unlikely to face a lengthy absence, but he hasn't recovered sufficiently to face his former club Saturday. Jordan Torunarigha should remain a leading option in the back three, with Warmed Omari also in contention for a starting role while Bornauw is sidelined.
Unlikely against Koln
Bornauw (undisclosed) is not expected to face a weeks long absence, though the leaning heading into Saturday's clash against his former club Koln still points toward another absence, according to BILD.
Analysis: Bornauw's next steps, including a possible gradual reintegration into team training, are set to be decided following a medical meeting Tuesday morning. He has already missed the loss to RB Leipzig after picking up the muscular issue following the defeat to Mainz, with Jordan Torunarigha expected to remain in the middle of the back three and Warmed Omari potentially entering the starting XI if Bornauw remains sidelined.
Likely out against Koln
Bornauw (muscular) is expected to remain sidelined for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Koln after already missing the loss to RB Leipzig, according to Bild.
Analysis: Bornauw picked up the muscular issue following the 5-0 defeat to Mainz and now appears likely to miss a second consecutive match. His continued absence leaves Hamburg without a key option in central defense, with Jordan Torunarigha expected to remain in the middle of the back three while Warmed Omari could enter the starting XI against Koln.
Confirmed out with muscular problems
Bornauw (undisclosed) is definitively ruled out for Sunday's away match against RB Leipzig due to muscular problems, according to BILD.
Analysis: Bornauw picked up the issue in the 5-0 loss to Mainz and had already missed team training during the week, with hopes of a timely return now dashed. Jordan Torunarigha figures to take over his role in the central position of the back three, with Nicolas Capaldo also remaining in defense and Shafiq Nandja set for his first Bundesliga start, while no timeline beyond the Leipzig match has been given for Bornauw's recovery.
Status uncertain for Leipzig
Bornauw was absent from Hamburg's team training Wednesday ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig, with the reason for his absence unclear, according to HSV24.
Analysis: Bornauw has been a regular part of Hamburg's defense early in the season, making his absence from Wednesday's session worth monitoring ahead of the weekend. There is currently no indication that the center-back is dealing with an injury, and further training sessions should provide more clarity on his availability. Warmed Omari's return to team training following a shoulder injury would provide Hamburg with another option at center-back if Bornauw is unavailable against Leipzig.
Scores own goal
Bornauw registered an own goal, one tackle (zero won), three clearances and four interceptions in Saturday's 2-0 loss against Borussia Dortmund.
Analysis: Bornauw had Giannis Konstantelias' shot deflect off him just before halftime for an own goal and Hamburger found themselves two goals down at halftime. Bornauw put up a decent performance otherwise and recorded 33 passes and four interceptions and three clearances.
Joins HSV on loan
Bornauw has joined Hamburger SV on loan for the 2026-27 season from Premier League club Leeds United, the club announced.
Analysis: Bornauw made 12 Premier League appearances and five in cup competitions for Leeds after joining last year, and previously played in the Bundesliga for Wolfsburg from 2021 to 2025 and Cologne from 2019 to 2021, giving him 140 appearances in Germany's top flight before this third stint in the league. The Belgian center back came through Anderlecht's academy, turning professional at 19, and has earned four caps for Belgium's senior national team. Bornauw is expected to start in central defense alongside Nicolas Capaldo and Jordan Torunarigha as he brings physical presence, aerial ability and leadership qualities to Hamburg's backline. His experience across multiple Bundesliga stops positions him to take on an organizing role in the defense right away.
Plays 72 minutes in return
Bornauw (undisclosed) started and played 72 minutes in Thursday's 1-0 friendly win over Sunderland, according to the club.
Analysis: Bornauw had been held out of an earlier preseason friendly against Wrexham as a precaution for a very minor issue, so his extended run of minutes in this match confirms he is fully available again. His versatility across the back line makes him a useful option for Leeds United as preseason continues ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Not risked with minor issue
Bornauw was absent for Leeds' preseason friendly against Wrexham due to a very minor issue, as the club opted not to risk him, according to Leeds Live.
Analysis: Bornauw's absence is purely precautionary, and the defender's composure on the ball and versatility across the backline make him a useful option once fully available. He joins several other notable absentees for Leeds during the trip to the United States, with no further details on the issue disclosed. He's expected to return to full training in the near term.
Returns to bench
Bornauw (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's clash with Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Analysis: Bornauw was expected to be back fit for Sunday's clash and he's done just that. He's back on the bench Sunday and available for some role. He's been a limited player even when fully fit, so this is his normal role, especially with Jayden Bogle (foot) starting.
Picks up injury, likely to play
Bornauw is suffering from a slight ankle injury but is still likely to be an option Sunday against Chelsea, according to manager Daniel Farke. "During the warm-up, he rolled his ankle, and it was not ideal. Yesterday it was pretty, pretty sore. Also, today, he was not able to join us in team training, but I hope it is not too bad. At least it seems that there is no ligament injury. I hope to have him back in training tomorrow, and if he is back in training, then he would also be available."
Analysis: Bornauw has a few question marks heading into Sunday, but he appears to be on the better side of the injury, as it looks like he will be an option if he trains Friday. This is good news for the club as they could be without Jayden Bogle (foot), likely to force Bornauw into the starting defense if fit, and Bogle misses out. That said, if he trains this week and passes fitness testing Sunday, the defender could very well see an elevated role from his depth spot.
On bench in return
Bornauw (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Bornauw is named on the bench for Saturday's clash against the Cottagers after returning to team training following a minor groin injury. He was forced off at the break of Sunday's Carabao Cup win and is eased back into action as a substitute option. The defender had started three of his last four appearances and remains part of the starting plans moving forward.
Could return against Fulham
Bornauw (groin) could return for Saturday's clash against Fulham after resuming team training, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Sebastiaan is back in training."
Analysis: Bornauw was forced off at the break of Sunday's win in the Carabao Cup due to a minor groin injury but the defender is already back in team training and could be an option for Saturday's clash against the Cottagers. Bornauw started three of his last four appearances and could play a decent role for Leeds United moving forward.
Suffers minor groin injury
Bornauw was forced off at the break in Sunday's victory in the Carabao Cup due to a minor groin injury, coach Daniel Farke said in a press conference, according to Leeds Live. "I think it's something with his hip flexor or adductor, so we have to assess it. I don't think it's a major thing that he's out for weeks."
Analysis: Bornauw will have to be assessed in the coming days after suffering a minor groin injury in Sunday's win in the Carabao Cup. The issue appears to be minor and he will hope to recover before Saturday's clash against Fulham since he has started three of his last appearances with Leeds United. Joe Rodon will take a larger role in the back-three if the injury proves to be more serious than expected.
Three clearances in draw
Bornauw recorded one cross (one accurate) and one tackle in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: With Joe Rodon (ankle) unavailable, Bornauw has started the last two matches after playing just two minutes all season, delivering steady defensive performances. He recorded one tackle per game and added three interceptions and nine clearances across the two appearances.
Just dealing with fatigue
Bornauw was taken off due to fatigue in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Liverpool, according to manager Daniel Farke. "For Sebastiaan's first game in the starting line-up, for Ilia, first game in a while, they have invested a lot."
Analysis: Bornauw was taken off the field late into Thursday's field after his first appearance in around a month with what appeared to be an injury, but looks to only be dealing with fatigue. This is solid news for the club, although they will wait to see if he is still ready for starting minutes again come Sunday's match against Manchester United. If he is unable to start, the club will likely need to move a wing-back more central to keep their three-back or turn to Sam Byram, who has yet to start this campaign.
Forced off against Liverpool
Bornauw abandoned Thursday's game versus Liverpool with a potential knock.
Analysis: Bornauw was replaced by Jayden Bogle following an 83-minute performance in his first EPL start of the season. The Belgian had a decent defensive performance, though his fitness status is now a major concern heading into Sunday's clash against Manchester United.
Returns to bench
Bornauw (knee) is on the bench for Wednesday's clash with Chelsea.
Analysis: Bournauw was deemed a late-fitness test last time out, but didn't play. This time around he was able to pass the late check and is back available off the bench. He profiles as a depth option in the defense even when fully fit, and has yet to make his Leeds debut.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare