Mario Vuskovic Set to Return to Hamburg Training After Four-Year Doping Suspension

Mario Vuskovic is nearing his long-awaited return to Hamburg after a four-year ban for doping. The 24-year-old defender will be allowed to rejoin HSV team training in mid-September. He will become eligible to play in competitive matches again on November 16, though it remains uncertain if the Croatian center-back will be able to immediately compete at the Bundesliga level.

Vuskovic's last appearance for the German club was on November 9, 2022. Since then, he has been working to maintain his fitness with personal trainer Josko Vlasic, father of Torino and Croatia attacker Nikola Vlasic. During his suspension, Vuskovic was only permitted to train individually.

Despite this, HSV plans to conduct comprehensive medical, endurance, and performance assessments before allowing Vuskovic to resume full team training. Muscle-strength tests will also be crucial in determining whether he can rejoin his teammates immediately or if he will need to work more closely with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel.

HSV Cautious About Squad Planning Around Vuskovic's Return

HSV's sporting director, Claus Costa, had already urged caution regarding the defender's comeback back in May.

"Of course, we don't know what shape he'll be in when he returns," Costa stated. "I'm not aware of any comparable cases from which we can draw conclusions. However, we are eagerly anticipating the day he can train and play again."

"Since he won't be available until the end of the year, we cannot base our squad planning on him," Costa added. "That would be naive."

Hamburg is still looking to strengthen their central defense following the end of Luka Vuskovic's loan spell. The younger Vuskovic wore his brother's No. 44 shirt during his time in Hamburg and had repeatedly expressed his desire to play alongside Mario.

The connection between the brothers and HSV was also a prominent topic during the heated Hamburg derby controversy in January.

Personal Trainer Confident in Vuskovic's Enhanced Fitness

Vlašić believes Vuskovic's dedicated individual training has made him physically better prepared than before his suspension.

"I believe Mario is in better shape now than ever before," Vlašić told Sport Bild. "He is faster, more agile, more compact, and better on the ball than he was previously."

"He is making excellent progress and is highly motivated," the former decathlete continued. "He will emerge from this period stronger and better."

It remains to be seen whether these improvements will translate immediately to Bundesliga performance. Vuskovic has not played a competitive match in nearly four years and will need time to regain match fitness, timing, and familiarity with team-based defensive strategies.

Vuskovic Set to Sign Performance-Related Contract

Vuskovic will officially rejoin HSV under contract on November 16. The club had terminated his previous agreement following the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport due to liability concerns.

His new deal is reportedly structured with a low base salary that will increase only if he secures regular playing time. This arrangement provides Vuskovic an opportunity to rebuild his professional career while limiting HSV's financial risk should he struggle to return to his former level.

This agreement could also see the defender remain in Hamburg beyond the summer of 2027 if his comeback proves successful.

HSV initially acquired Vuskovic on loan from Hajduk Split for €1.2 million in 2021, before making a permanent transfer for €3 million a year later. He quickly became a regular starter and reached an estimated market value of €5 million.

Vuskovic has made 47 competitive appearances for Hamburg, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Further appearances could be possible towards the end of the year.