Glatzel: "I definitely still remember where to find the goal!"

A total of 159 days have passed since Robert Glatzel last stepped foot on the pitch in the league. It was matchday 8, and HSV had just celebrated a 3-0 win at Fortuna Düsseldorf. The following week, the striker tore the tendon in his hip during a friendly and had to undergo surgery. Faced with a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Glatzel worked hard to get back to full fitness again. Now, five months and eight days later, the time has come: Glatzel will be able to make his comeback to the pitch just in time for the crunch match against 1. FC Magdeburg. In an interview, the striker spoke about his excitement at finally getting to play again.

Bobby, it's clear to see that you're really looking forward to being back on the pitch for the first time in five months. How does it feel? Are you a little nervous?

Glatzel: I'm not nervous at all, but just really excited. I'm really looking forward to it. I just want to enjoy being back on the pitch. I'm certain that I'll enjoy it and value it even more than I would have prior to my injury and lengthy spell on the sidelines.

You've never been sidelined for that long before in your career. What do you think it will be like when you're getting on the bus with the team again ahead of what will be your first game in nearly six months?

I'm not sure yet. But, I know that I will get on the bus with a positive mindset and that I will be looking forward to the whole experience. Being together with the team and getting to experience the rise in excitement ahead of the game – I'm looking forward to it all.

Your last competitive match was the game in Düsseldorf where you scored a brace. That took you onto seven goals this season, from just six games, meaning you were averaging a goal every hour – an incredible return! Will your goalscoring instincts still be intact even after being unable to play for the last five months?

It might take a bit to get back into the rhythm of things. It's not something you can regain from one day to the next, and so it will take playing regularly again. But you don't ever lose your instincts in front of goal. I definitely still remember where to find the goal!

Head coach Merlin Polzin spoke often about the progress you were making during his press conferences. Following the 4-1 win against Düsseldorf last weekend, your teammates were all really excited that you'd be back this week. What does that feel like, knowing that?

It's always a nice surprise. They're all behind me which feels great to know. Hearing them shout "Bobby's back!" as soon as I stepped back onto the training pitch really meant a lot to me, in addition to being a great source of motivation.

Do you feel 100% ready to make your comeback?

I feel 100% fit again and if it were up to me, I'd have made my comeback even sooner. But obviously the doctors and physios are also involved in making that decision, which is a good thing. In the end, we decided that we'd wait for the Magdeburg game, which I'm now really looking forward to.

Who else is also looking forward to seeing you back on the pitch?

My family, of course. My wife is just as excited as I am, and my kids can feel my excitement as well, even if they don't really understand yet what it means for me to be able to play again. My best friend will also be in Magdeburg on Friday. He's making the trip from Munich just to be there. Like I said, the level of support I've experienced has been incredible and I'm very grateful for it.