Robert Glatzel Makes Strong Comeback For HSV After Injury

After nearly five months away from the pitch, Robert Glatzel is back and ready to contribute to Hamburger SV's push for promotion in the 2. Bundesliga. The 31-year-old striker had been sidelined since October 2024 due to a severe tendon rupture suffered during a friendly match. His anticipated return has brought renewed hope to fans and teammates alike.

Glatzel made his comeback in a recent friendly on March 19, 2025, against the Regionalliga club, Phönix Lübeck. In this assessment, he played a pivotal role, helping his team secure a dominant 3-0 win. Demonstrating his readiness to reintegrate into competitive play, Glatzel netted the opening goal through a penalty kick in the 17th minute. This performance not only highlighted his personal determination but also served as the perfect capstone to his rehabilitation process.

After the match, Glatzel expressed his immense satisfaction, stating, "I am very happy and satisfied. It’s crazy. Back then, I also had a penalty, missed it, and had to leave the field injured a few minutes later. That’s the irony of fate, coming full circle." His sentiments were reflected by HSV's head coach, Merlin Polzin, who acknowledged that Glatzel had to manage his playing time carefully, ensuring he wouldn't push too hard too soon.

Despite his time away, Glatzel’s skills remain evident, and his presence is expected to reinvigorate a squad currently depending on his young counterpart, Davie Selke, who has thrived in Glatzel's absence. Selke has been a standout performer this season, leading the league with 17 goals, cementing his spot as the top scorer in the 2. Bundesliga after stepping into the center-forward position.

Polzin was optimistic about Glatzel's future contributions, noting, "We were considering whether he would play 45 or 60 minutes. But he was already tired and signaled that one half was enough. We won’t discuss whether Bobby knows where the goal is; when he gets the ball in the box, he scores. We will often rely on that.”

This win over Lübeck not only marks Glatzel's official return after a long rehabilitation phase but sets him up for a potential starting role in the upcoming match against Elversberg on March 28, 2025. Following a successful return in the friendly, fans are hopeful that he will resume his scoring form, having already netted seven goals in his previous five starts this season before his injury.

While Glatzel's return is much heralded, it also presents a tactical conundrum for Polzin, who must decide how to incorporate both Glatzel and Selke into the starting eleven. Citing the luxury of having both players, Polzin remarked, "If one comes on for the other in the 70th minute, I wouldn’t want to be the opponent." The competition between the two attack-minded players could add firepower to HSV's efforts as they continue their campaign for promotion.

As the second half of the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Glatzel will fit into the team dynamics. With a promising performance and his confidence growing, he aims to repeat his past success on the pitch. For Hamburg's fans, the hope is that Glatzel’s return will inspire a series of victories that can clinch them a spot in the Bundesliga next season.

In summary, Robert Glatzel's comeback is not just a personal victory but a potential turning point for Hamburger SV’s aspirations this season. His experience and scoring ability are invaluable to a team working tirelessly towards promotion.