Hertha BSC are preparing for their Bundesliga clash with VfL Bochum (Saturday, 3.30pm). A new striker could possibly join the squad by then.

Hertha BSC have started their preparations for the new start in the Bundesliga without possible new signing Florian Niederlechner. “The boys have made a very good impression in the weeks of preparation. But now it counts. Now it’s competition,” Hertha coach Sandro Schwarz said in a media session after training on Tuesday. “We need to be competitive to get the points we need on Saturday.” The league’s 15th-placed side take on second-bottom VfL Bochum (3.30pm/Sky) and could drop to a relegation spot if they lose.

Augsburg striker Niederlechner already arrived at the Berlin office on Tuesday, as seen on Sky pictures. According to media reports, he will undergo medical tests. Should the transfer of the 32-year-old, which was actually not planned until the summer, take place promptly, Niederlechner could already be available as an alternative for the guest game at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.

Schwarz has not yet made any concrete statements on the matter. “Let’s wait and see until it is official then,” said the coach. “It’s on its way. It’s not a big secret. We’ll see when he can be on the training pitch for good then.” Apart from the injured Chidera Ejuke and Kélian Nsona, all the professionals were able to take part in the 70-minute session.

After the training camp at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Hertha’s focus is now on detailed preparation for Bochum. “Now we have to look at what exactly we need in the run-up behaviour and in the possession game,” said Schwarz. The focus will also be on finishing and standards.

After the guest game in the Ruhr area, an English week awaits the Berliners. At the end of the first half of the season, the Berliners will host VfL Wolfsburg next Tuesday (8.30 pm/Sky), before the second half of the season opens four days later with the derby against 1. FC Union.