Ben-Hatira relishing return

Hertha Berlin midfielder Anis Ben-Hatira is hoping to be fit for his side’s Bundesliga trip to former club Hamburg on Saturday.

The Tunisian has been sidelined by an ankle injury since the end of November, up to which point he had made 14 league appearances for the men from the capital.

But Ben-Hatira, who started his career at Hamburg, is hopeful of a return to action this weekend and insisted he was close to a full recovery.

“I’m fine, and my ankle is even better,” he told Bild. “I cannot wait to play again.

“The game is very special for me. It will be very emotional. HSV still means a lot to me.”

Hamburg are currently on a dismal run of form which has seen them lose their last five fixtures, but Ben-Hatira wants to see his former employer avoid the drop.

“I hope that, after the game against us, they get the necessary points in order to prevent what would be a disaster: relegation,” he added. “HSV is insecure. We must take advantage.

“We will do everything possible to take the points to Berlin.”