Albert Sambi Lokonga
HSV
CM
Box-to-Box
Oct 22, 1999 (26)
Right
6'0"
148 lb
Hamburger SVFit to play friendly
Lokonga (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's friendly against 1. FC Heidenheim, according to the club.
Analysis: Lokonga's return to the starting XI is an encouraging sign after muscle tightness ruled him out of the earlier preseason friendly against Rapid Wien, a setback that came as a mild surprise given his expected role in central midfield alongside Nicolai Remberg. Given his recent history of fitness issues, his ability to go the distance in this match will be worth monitoring as Hamburger builds toward the 2026/27 Bundesliga season opener.
Misses friendly due to tightness
Lokonga was ruled out of a preseason friendly against Rapid Wien due to muscle tightness, the club announced.
Analysis: Lokonga had been expected to be one of the starters in central midfield for this opening test of the summer alongside Nicolai Remberg, making his absence a mild surprise this early in preseason. The Belgian has a recent history of fitness issues and the club will monitor his status closely over the coming days with an eye on having him ready for the Bundesliga season opener.
Returns to bench
Lokonga (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim.
Analysis: Lokonga came through further assessment sufficiently to earn a matchday squad place despite the cautious comments from coach Merlin Polzin that had cast doubt over his inclusion heading into the weekend. The midfielder had been a regular starter before the thigh issue emerged, but the time he has spent on the sidelines means an immediate return to the first eleven was always unlikely, with a bench role representing a natural first step in his reintegration. His return to the starting lineup is expected to follow in the coming fixtures as he regains full fitness and builds back his match sharpness.
Late call Saturday
Lokonga (thigh) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim after returning to partial team training, according to coach Merlin Polzin. "Sambi is partially participating in team training, and we will see if that is enough for the weekend squad."
Analysis: Lokonga's return to partial training is an encouraging step after the thigh issue kept him on the sidelines, though coach Merlin Polzin's cautious comments suggest a place in the matchday squad is not guaranteed. The midfielder had been a regular starter before the injury, and while an immediate return to the starting lineup seems unlikely given the time he has been out, he could work his way back into the first eleven over the coming matches as he regains full fitness. His availability for Saturday will be determined following further assessment ahead of the fixture.
Training individually
Lokonga (thigh) is back in individual training, according to Bild.
Analysis: Lokonga is seeing progress from his thigh injury and is nearing a return, as the midfielder has trained to the side. This leaves him in limbo, moving forward, needing to join team training before he is deemed fit. Saturday's match will then come quickly for him, potentially an option, but appearing to be too early at the moment.
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