Albert Sambi Lokonga - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Fit to play friendly Lokonga (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's friendly against 1. FC Heidenheim, according to the club.

Impact Lokonga's return to the starting XI is an encouraging sign after muscle tightness ruled him out of the earlier preseason friendly against Rapid Wien, a setback that came as a mild surprise given his expected role in central midfield alongside Nicolai Remberg. Given his recent history of fitness issues, his ability to go the distance in this match will be worth monitoring as Hamburger builds toward the 2026/27 Bundesliga season opener.

JULY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Misses friendly due to tightness Lokonga was ruled out of a preseason friendly against Rapid Wien due to muscle tightness, the club announced.

Impact Lokonga had been expected to be one of the starters in central midfield for this opening test of the summer alongside Nicolai Remberg, making his absence a mild surprise this early in preseason. The Belgian has a recent history of fitness issues and the club will monitor his status closely over the coming days with an eye on having him ready for the Bundesliga season opener.

JULY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Lokonga (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim.

Impact Lokonga came through further assessment sufficiently to earn a matchday squad place despite the cautious comments from coach Merlin Polzin that had cast doubt over his inclusion heading into the weekend. The midfielder had been a regular starter before the thigh issue emerged, but the time he has spent on the sidelines means an immediate return to the first eleven was always unlikely, with a bench role representing a natural first step in his reintegration. His return to the starting lineup is expected to follow in the coming fixtures as he regains full fitness and builds back his match sharpness.

APRIL 25 • ROTOWIRE

Late call Saturday Lokonga (thigh) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim after returning to partial team training, according to coach Merlin Polzin. "Sambi is partially participating...

Impact Lokonga's return to partial training is an encouraging step after the thigh issue kept him on the sidelines, though coach Merlin Polzin's cautious comments suggest a place in the matchday squad is not guaranteed. The midfielder had been a regular starter before the injury, and while an immediate return to the starting lineup seems unlikely given the time he has been out, he could work his way back into the first eleven over the coming matches as he regains full fitness. His availability for Saturday will be determined following further assessment ahead of the fixture.

APRIL 23 • ROTOWIRE

Training individually Lokonga (thigh) is back in individual training, according to Bild.

Impact Lokonga is seeing progress from his thigh injury and is nearing a return, as the midfielder has trained to the side. This leaves him in limbo, moving forward, needing to join team training before he is deemed fit. Saturday's match will then come quickly for him, potentially an option, but appearing to be too early at the moment.

APRIL 21 • ROTOWIRE

Misses call Saturday Lokonga (thigh) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Bremen.

Impact Lokonga has been unable to pass his late fitness test despite coach Merlin Polzin confirming his workload had been increased throughout the week ahead of a final check Friday. The midfielder had started the four matches prior to his thigh injury, and his continued absence leaves a notable gap in the lineup for a side that had come to rely on him heavily. Nicolai Remberg is expected to get a larger role in the middle of the park, with Lokonga's availability for the coming fixtures to be monitored closely.

APRIL 18 • ROTOWIRE

Late fitness call Saturday Lokonga (thigh) is a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against Bremen, according to coach Merlin Polzin. "For Sambi, we were able to increase his workload this week, and we wi...

Impact Lokonga could be an option for Saturday's clash against Bremen pending a positive fitness test Friday after missing the last match due to a thigh injury. The midfielder had started the previous four matches before the setback and is expected to reclaim that role once fully fit, with Nicolai Remberg a candidate to start in his place if he is unavailable.

APRIL 16 • ROTOWIRE

Training separately, could return Sambi Lokonga (thigh) continued to do individual work in the first training session of the week ahead of Saturday's meeting with Werder Bremen, but coach Merlin Polzin commented "A...

Impact Sambi Lokonga is expected to be an option despite dealing with a slight issue, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be ready to start or see minutes off the bench. He would be one of the team's top midfield options if fully fit, limiting either Nicolai Remberg or Albert Gronbaek to a backup role. The former Arsenal man has had some offensive upside, tallying five goals in 22 league appearances this season.

APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE

Pick sup thigh injury Lokonga is out for Sunday's match against Stuttgart due to a thigh injury, according to manager Merlin Polzin. "Sambi has thigh issues and is also unavailable to us."

Impact Lokonga is not going to be with the team Sunday as they take the field, as a recent thigh injury will be too much for him to play through. The club will need to make changes, as he is a starter and has started in their past four games. Nicolai Remberg will likely start in his place, as the club hopes Lokonga is only out a week or two.

APRIL 10 • ROTOWIRE

Leader in multiple defensive stats Lokonga created two chances, blocked a shot, made two interceptions and three tackles (winning one) during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Augsburg.

Impact Lokonga finished second on the team in chances created while leading Hamburg in blocks, interceptions and tackles during the draw. The midfielder has a goal to go along with four tackles, four interceptions and five clearances over his last three starts.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Scores with lone shot Lokonga scored a goal with his lone shot during Saturday's 3-2 loss to Dortmund.

Impact Lokonga scored in the 38th minute putting Hamburg up by two goals at the time. The goal was the first since December 20th for the midfielder as he's combined for a shot, two chances created and two tackles in his last three appearances.

MARCH 21 • ROTOWIRE

Creates two chances in XI return Lokonga had one tackle (one won) in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Wolfsburg.

Impact Lokonga completed the full 90 minutes on his return to the starting lineup after four games limited to bench appearances following his ankle injury, contributing one tackle and two chances created on the night. Over his last five starts he has created 10 chances and taken four shots with one goal, while contributing eight tackles and three interceptions defensively. He is expected to hold down the starting role as long as he is fit, allowing Fabio Vieira to operate in a more advanced position.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Bench option Lokonga (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Leipzig.

Impact Lokonga is not going to miss any more time with his ankle injury, making the team sheet Sunday from the bench. He should start working for a starting role again after testing his legs, starting in 13 of his 16 appearances this season.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Appears to be option Lokonga (ankle) appears to be an option for Sunday's match against Leipzig, according to manager Merlin Polzin. "Albert and Alex are still in rehab. The rest of the team is fired u...

Impact Lokonga looks to be in for his return this week after left off the injured players list, a huge return to the midfield for his club. This does mean the return of a regular starter, earning the start in 13 of his 16 appearancesb while bagging four goals. However, he may be worked in off the bench to be cautious, likely to return to a starting role at some point.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Out a few weeks Lokonga has suffered an outer ligament tear in his ankle and will be out for the next few weeks, according to his club.

Impact Lokomga underwent an MRI Monday, and after some testing, it has been revelaed the midfielder is suffering from a semi-serious ankle injury. He will miss a few weeks of action due to the injury, with emphasis to be put on a careful return, as a relapse could happen easily with his injury. Unfortunately, he has been a starter and will force a change for the club, with Fabio Vieira likely to take more of a central role while Rayan Philippe returns to the starting XI.

FEBRUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Makes bench Lokonga (calf) is on the bench for Friday's game against St. Pauli.

Impact Lokonga was deemed ready to return to action for this contest, and the Belgian will wait for his opportunity on the bench. Lokonga has started in 11 of his 13 Bundesliga appearances this season, tallying four goals in 923 minutes of play.

JANUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Option again Lokonga (calf) appears to be an option for the club again moving forward, according to manager Merlin Polzin. "Otherwise, all other players are ready to play for the match on Frida...

Impact Lokonga missed the club's last match with a calf injury but was back in training this week, already leaning towards a return in the next week or two. However, he has now been left off the injury report, appearing to have recovered. He had started in 11 straight games ahead of the injury, so they will hope he is an option, likely to start once fit.

JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with calf injury Lokonga suffered a calf injury last week in training and was spotted training individually on Monday, the club announced.

Impact Lokonga missed Saturday's clash against Gladbach after suffering a calf injury in training before the game. The midfielder appears to be monitored carefully, as he was spotted training individually on Monday, which makes his availability for Friday's clash against St. Pauli doubtful. If he were to miss a second game in a row, Fabio Vieira would likely play again in a deeper position in the midfield for the red shorts.

JANUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with apparent contusion Lokonga (undisclosed) is dealing with an apparent contusion and ruled out for Saturday's clash against Gladbach.

Impact Lokonga suffered an apparent contusion in the final training session ahead of Saturday's clash against Gladbach and is ruled out for the game. The midfielder will likely be assessed in the coming days to know the extend of the issue and will hope to recover in time for next week's fixture against St. Pauli on Friday. Lokonga has been an undisputed starter in the midfield for the red shorts, therefore his absence forces a change in the starting squad, with Fabio Vieira playing deeper in the midfield on Saturday.

JANUARY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Nets in draw Lokonga scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impact Lokonga was excellent throughout Saturday's clash, scoring and nearly creating a pair of goals with some excellent movement. The midfielder was a problem for the Frankfurt backline throughout and did everything he needed to earn the point. Lokonga isn't surrounded by talent, but he has the skill to bring his teammates into the match.

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starts second half comeback Lokonga scored a goal while taking two shots (both on goal) and creating two chances during Sunday's 3-2 win over Werder Bremen.

Impact Lokonga found the back of the net in the 63rd minute scoring Hamburg's first goal while tying for the team-high in shots. The goal was the first since October 18th for the midfielder as he's combined for four tackles, four interceptions and five clearances over his last three starts.

DECEMBER 7, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up injury Lokonga is absent from Wednesday's DFB Pokal match against Kiel due to an injury, according to his club.

Impact Lokonga is on the outside looking in as his club takes the field Wednesday, suffering from a minor injury. The midfielder has started in their past seven games, so this is something to monitor. Fabio Vieira will likely move to a less attacking role if Lokonga were to miss further time.

DECEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Nets in loss Lokonga scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus RB Leipzig.

Impact Lokonga showed his offensive upside in Saturday's match, despite the loss. He made the most of his only shot and nearly came away with an assist or two. The midfielder is limited by the team around him, but he has decent upside in any matches where he's given time on the ball, which could let him shine against lower-level opposition.

OCTOBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Nets first Bundesliga goal Lokonga scored a goal with his lone shot during Sunday's 4-0 win over Mainz.

Impact Lokonga found the back of the net after just six minutes to open the scoring in the match. The goal was the first in the Bundesliga, in his first start, for Lokonga who joined Hamburg on deadline day.

OCTOBER 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finds new home in Hamburger Lokonga has completed a permanent transfer to Hamburger from Arsenal, according to his former club.

Impact Lokonga is on his way out after consecutive loan spells with Arsenal, heading to Germany after signing a deal with Hamburger. He would make 29 appearances for Arsenal in his early career with the club, most recently starting in 16 of his 22 appearances and bagging two assists while on loan with Sevilla during the 2024/25 season. The midfielder will likely fight for starting time with his new club, seeing a role similar to his in Sevilla, hoping to help them remain in the Bundesliga after promotion last campaign.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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