Yussuf Poulsen on the road back to action
Yussuf Poulsen’s road to fitness has been a slow, painstaking process for Hamburger SV this season. Since swapping RB Leipzig for HSV in the summer, the Denmark striker has managed just 50 minutes of competitive football due to a string of injuries. With the club pushing for stability in the 2024/25 season, Poulsen’s return is not only a personal milestone but a potential catalyst for HSV’s attacking rhythm.
Poulsen’s latest step toward full fitness came in a behind-closed-doors clash between HSV’s first team and the U21 squad. According to Bild, the 29-year-old played for around 30 minutes, displaying the commitment HSV needs to ease him back into regular action. The half-hour cameo allowed coaches to gauge his movement, sharpness, and willingness to press, all critical elements for a striker who thrives on confidence as much as fitness.
Coaching from the touchline and leadership off the pitch
Beyond the physical workload, Poulsen’s leadership has become a quiet but vital force within the team. HSV sporting director Claus Costa spoke to Bild about the club’s cautious approach: “We have the hope and the conviction that Yussi will get back on track. He is being gradually built up.” The message is clear—Poulsen’s return is being staged to protect his long-term health while reintroducing a seasoned striker who can influence games with his experience.
Inside the camp, Poulsen has taken on a mentoring role during training sessions and friendlies. In the second half of the internal test, he shifted to a bench role, directing and motivating younger players. This blend of on-pitch participation and off-pitch leadership reflects HSV’s broader strategy: blend patient rehabilitation with a confident rebuild of attacking options as they prepare for a crucial portion of the season.
What a return could mean for HSV ahead of the Leipzig clash
HSV head to RB Leipzig on October 18 in what promises to be a telling fixture for both clubs. Leipzig, a former employer for Poulsen, faces a different dynamic this season, and HSV will be hoping their talismanic striker can add a fresh injection of momentum at the right moment. While the match represents a tension between past and present, a Poulsen return would symbolize HSV’s intent to reassert themselves in a league where consistency has eluded them at times in recent campaigns.
From a tactical standpoint, Poulsen’s presence could give HSV a sharper focal point in attack. He is known for his work rate, link-up play, and an ability to drift into dangerous positions in and around the box. If he can regain full match fitness, he could complement HSV’s other attacking options and offer a credible threat on counter-attacks and crosses—elements that are central to the club’s game plan this season.
Looking forward: a cautious but hopeful return
Fans and pundits alike will be watching Poulsen’s progress closely. A successful comeback could not only revive HSV’s scoring power but also restore one of the club’s most trusted leaders in the dressing room. The Danish international has a long association with RB Leipzig, and a return to face his former club adds an extra layer of narrative to what remains a workmanlike period of rehabilitation for both player and club.
While the precise timeline for a first-team return remains fluid, the indications from HSV are positive. With international breaks offering a natural pause for rehabilitation, October’s Leipzig fixture could mark a symbolic turning point in Poulsen’s journey back to competitive action and HSV’s own bid to climb the table.
Bottom line
Injury setbacks have curtailed Yussuf Poulsen’s season, but the signs are encouraging. A staged return, culminating in a potential comeback against RB Leipzig, would be a significant boost for HSV’s attacking options and leadership. As Poulsen works his way back to full fitness, his experience and presence off the field remain a valuable asset for a club keen to re-establish itself in Germany’s top flight.
