Concern over Leeds United loanee after 'blow to the jaw'

Bornauw took a blow to the jaw in Hamburg's DFB-Pokal loss and is uncertain for Sunday's league match against Frankfurt.

Sebastiaan Bornauw, on loan at Hamburg SV from Leeds United, was forced off at half-time in Tuesday's 3-1 DFB-Pokal defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt after taking a blow to the jaw from goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. The centre-back trained only partially on Friday and his availability for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Frankfurt remains in doubt.

Hamburg manager Merlin Polzin said he will not risk the 27-year-old, noting that Bornauw's defensive role demands constant physical engagement. "His position demands a lot of duels, requiring him to get into a lot of challenges and jump into the air for many tackles. He needs to be absolutely confident that he feels good and stable in these situations," Polzin said. Bornauw will undergo a fitness test on Saturday to determine his readiness.

The setback appears minor, and Bornauw is expected to return within the week if he misses Sunday's fixture. The Belgian joined Hamburg on loan in August after struggling for playing time at Leeds under Daniel Farke, and has since made seven appearances for the Bundesliga club.