Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia knows his side cannot afford to suffer a hangover from Thursday's 0-0 Europa League draw with Celtic if they are to avoid a second successive Bundesliga defeat on Sunday.

The German top-flight, according to Labbadia, has now become such that "a top team cannot play against any other team after a European match and afford to do so at 10-15% less than normal".

"That is how balanced the league has become," he added, as his team prepare to face Hannover.

Hamburg's 3-2 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach was the proof, if needed, that any side can beat any other in the Bundesliga this season.

And that is why Labbadia is particularly concerned about the potential disadvantage his side has of having played a competitive match just two days ago.

At least he can welcome Jerome Boateng back after the Germany international missed out on Thursday.

His fresh legs could be important against a Hannover side who have won their last two matches and, according to Labbadia, are a dangerous opponent to meet right now.

"They are on an upward spiral and I think they will come into this derby with a lot of euphoria," he said.

Only one member of the Hannover side may not be in such a positive mood. Goalkeeper Robert Enke should be on cloud nine after recently returning from an almost two-month illness-enforced absence.

However, he was yesterday left out of the Germany squad announced by coach Joachim Low for the upcoming friendly matches against Chile and the Ivory Coast.

"I don't agree with that," said Hannover coach Andreas Bergmann. "Nominating him would have been a positive signal for Robert.

"Before his illness, Robert was becoming the (Germany) number one and a player with such ability should be given the chance to prove himself again."

At least his exclusion will benefit Bergmann, who gets to keep hold of his team captain throughout the international break.