Hoffenheim strengthen for Bundesliga survival

Eugen Polanski and Afriyie Acquah are two defensive midfielders that Hoffenheim can look forward to seeing after long-term injuries to Sejad Salihovic and Sebastian Rudy. David Abraham is a central defender and will take over after Marvin Compper's departure to Fiorentina. Luis Advincula arrives to compensate for the tragic absence of Boris Vukcevic. Igor de Camargo joins on loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach to bolster attack and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes also comes in on loan but from Tottenham Hotspur.

It's hardly surprising to see any side in the relegation battle look to strengthen when they are out of form. Apart from Advincula, who still arrives having made 22 appearances for the Peruvian national side, all of the new signings bring experience from top European leagues.

Well-timed recruits

With the arrival of Gomes, who joined shortly before the end of the transfer window, manager Marco Kurz has improved the quality of his goalkeeping options. He also seems to be just the type of goalkeeper to come in and replace Tim Wiese, who has been prescribed a much-needed break by manager Marco Kurz. Over the last four years, Gomes has played 95 matches for Tottenham and was also at top Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. During these spells, he accumulated a combination of 60 European appearances.

Polanski gathered experience at Gladbach, Getafe and Mainz whilst Igor de Camargo built up his qualities at Genk, Liege as well as Gladbach. David Abraham caused a sensation with FC Basel in the Champions League whilst Afriyie Acquah made 13 appearances for AC Parma in Serie A, where they still sit in tenth.

The club have found good solutions to the problems left after injuries and departures. With the aforementioned improvements, the squad has strengthened ahead of its battle against relegation. A difficult task lies ahead, one that the new arrivals are expected to contribute towards.