Hamburg prepare for Mario Vuskovic’s return following four-year doping suspension

Mario Vuskovic is nearing his long-awaited return to Hamburg, following a four-year doping suspension. The 24-year-old defender will be allowed to rejoin HSV's team training in mid-September. Vuskovic will be eligible to play in competitive matches again starting November 16, though it is still uncertain whether the Croatian centre-back will be able to immediately compete at the Bundesliga level.

Vuskovic last played for die Rothosen on November 9, 2022. Since then, he has been working on maintaining his fitness with personal trainer Josko Vlasic, who is also the father of Torino and Croatia attacker Nikola Vlasic. During his suspension, Vuskovic was only permitted to train individually.

HSV intends 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 join his teammates right away or if he will need to work more closely with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel initially.

HSV refuse to base squad planning around Vuskovic

In May, HSV sporting director Claus Costa already aimed to manage expectations regarding the defender's comeback.

“Of course, we don’t know what kind of shape he’ll be in when he returns,” Costa stated. “I’m not aware of any comparable cases from which we can draw conclusions. But we can hardly wait for the day when he can train and play again.

“Since he won’t be available until the end of the year, we can’t base our squad planning on him,” Costa added. “That would be naive.”

Hamburg is still looking for reinforcements in central defence following the conclusion of Luka Vuskovic’s loan spell. The younger Vuskovic wore his brother’s No. 44 shirt during his season in Hamburg and frequently expressed his desire to play alongside Mario.

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

Personal trainer backs Vuskovic to return stronger

Vlasic believes Vuskovic’s individual training has left him physically better prepared than he was before his suspension.

“I think Mario is better now than ever before,” Vlasic told Sport Bild. “Faster, more agile, more compact and better on the ball than before.

“He’s making great progress and is very motivated,” the former decathlete continued. “He’ll emerge from this phase stronger and better.”

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

Vuskovic set to return under performance-related contract

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

His new deal reportedly includes a low base salary that will only increase if he earns regular playing time. This structure offers Vuskovic an opportunity to rebuild his professional career while limiting HSV’s financial risk should he struggle to return to his previous level.

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

HSV initially signed Vuskovic on loan from Hajduk Split for €1.2 million in 2021, before completing a €3 million permanent transfer a year later. He quickly established himself as 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 finally follow towards the end of the year.