Hamburg midfielder Valon Behrami is progressing well in his rehab during the winter break, and is well on track for a quick recovery and return to action for HSV.
The Swiss midfielder underwent knee surgery at the beginning of the winter break, and has been working around the clock to secure the fastest possible return to action.
Using the ultra-luxurious super-gym of the Crown Prince of Dubai, he has been working with Physic Sebastian Gritzner on a program involved aqua jogging, strength training, repetition therapy and cross-trainer work.
"I definitely want to be on the field for the first away game of the Rückrunde in Paderborn,” said the 29-year-old. "I want to take the time here in training camp well.”
The attitude of Behrami suggests that he will be back at the soonest possible opportunity, and having racked up over 1,400 Bundesliga minutes in the Hinrunde, it is vital for HSV that this is the case.
Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Behrami has been the anchor in the middle of the park for Hamburg, and his tough-tackling mentality will be missed for any games he is absent. Having to play van der Vaart in central midfield enhances the need for a deep midfielder who is willing to get stuck in, something only Kacar can really bring to the table.
In the second half of the season, with Holtby out 10 weeks, we may see Rafa return to a more attacking midfield role, meaning it is essential that HSV have defensive cover.
Fingers crossed the return of Behrami is a swift one, and he can continue to be a crucial member of Hamburg’s squad.
