Without him, Hertha BSC went down 0:6 in Leipzig. With Dedryck Boyata (30), the Berliners want to play to nil against SC Freiburg on Saturday.
Twelve days ago – in the 2:1 win against promoted Fürth – Boyata, who is chronically prone to muscular problems, had already reported himself unfit for duty during the first half. One false step, then the thigh went on strike. Now the Belgian, who has been Hertha captain since pre-season, is back in team training. The European Championship participant took part in the entire training session on Wednesday morning. This means that there is a good chance that Boyata, who was absent and sorely missed in Leipzig, will be available for the important home match against Freiburg on Saturday. The day after the debacle against RB, Hertha coach Pal Dardai said: “I hope a little bit for the match day that Dedryck will still be fit. It’s always a bit special with him. If he can do the final training, then he can play. That would be good for the centre.” Now Hertha’s defender is even ahead of the originally issued schedule.
Hope for recovery of Zeefuik
Right-back Deyovaisio Zeefuik, on the other hand, was also absent from training on Wednesday. The Dutchman has been plagued by groin complaints for weeks, and after the Leipzig game he went for an MRI examination. At least there is no structural damage. Hertha still hopes that Zeefuik will be cleared for Saturday. If he drops out, Peter Pekarik (34) will take his place on the right defensive side. Routine could be the trend for the crucial game against Freiburg anyway. In addition to Boyata and Pekarik, Kevin-Prince Boateng (34), who remained on the bench for 90 minutes in Leipzig, could also move into the starting eleven to boost communication in this team that is far too often too quiet. And offensive all-rounder Stevan Jovetic (31), who returned to team training on Tuesday after a calf injury and four weeks off, is also a candidate for the starting eleven. Experience – that is possibly the trump card that Dardai wants to play against Freiburg.
