Albert Sambi Lokonga
Belgium
Right
Oct 22, 1999
26
6'0"
148 lb
CM
--
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
News
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.
Explore more players
Kaishu Sano
Jamal Musiala
Angelo Stiller
Joshua Kimmich
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare