HSV pro Ramos probably ready for northern duel in Kiel
Coach Tim Walter expects central defender Guilherme Ramos to play in Hamburger SV's second division away match at Holstein Kiel on Saturday (13:00/Sky). The 26-year-old Portuguese could "train on Friday and play on Saturday", said Walter on Thursday. Stephan Ambrosius, on the other hand, will miss the northern clash due to an ankle injury and muscular problems.
The 48-year-old HSV coach described the fact that two other central defenders - the suspended Mario Vuskovic and the permanently injured Sebastian Schonlau - are not available as "not so pleasant". But it was good to know "that we can replace these guys". The possible inclusion of Ramos is also "light at the end of the tunnel".
In addition to the clash between leaders FC St. Pauli and third-placed Hannover 96 on Friday (18:30/Sky), second-placed Hamburg's visit to fifth-placed Kiel is the top match of the weekend. With three wins for Holstein and only one success for HSV as well as six draws, the statistics from ten games in the 2nd division so far speak more in favor of the hosts. HSV's only three-pointer to date came last season in a 3-2 win in Kiel.
Walter is not concerned by the fact that the Hanseatic side have yet to win away from home this season. It's not about home or away games, but about "moving forward", said Walter and added: "There's no doubt that we can win away from home." This was shown not least by the penalty shoot-out victory in the second round of the cup at third-division club Arminia Bielefeld.
In the upcoming Bundesliga 2 match against Holstein Kiel, Hamburger SV might rely on Guilherme Ramos, who could train on Friday and potentially play on Saturday. Despite the absence of Mario Vuskovic due to suspension and Sebastian Schonlau's injury, Walter is optimistic about their ability to compensate for these losses, viewing Ramos' potential inclusion as a "light at the end of the tunnel".
Source: www.dpa.com
