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Eran Zahavi seems to start at PSV, Joey Veerman probably on the bench against Ajax | Football

“These are all competitions with their own story,” said Schmidt. “I would like to have more options this time,” he said, referring to the absence of players such as Noni Madueke, Ibrahim Sangaré and André Ramalho. “There’s a lot to think about right now. Because some of the players that are available can’t play a full game.”

No problem

Schmidt was referring to striker Eran Zahavi, who participated in the last 25 minutes in the cup match against Telstar. Those were his only minutes in two and a half months. “It was a reward for the way he fought back from that knee injury. I know he has done everything he can to get fit again. You don’t have to worry about that with him. Those minutes were important for Zahavi to regain confidence in his own body. Whether he starts in the base, I will decide after the last training.”

Everything points to the Israeli getting a starting spot. Zahavi is often at his best in the topper. He scored last season with a free kick in the Philips Stadium against Ajax and was successful twice in the 2-2 draw in the ArenA. Due to the absence of Carlos Vinicius and the lesser form of Maxi Romero, there are no alternatives.

‘More and more used to’

Schmidt was less certain about Joey Veerman, who was decisive in the cup match with Telstar with a goal and an assist. About the Volendammer, the trainer said that he “is getting more and more used to his new teammates at PSV.” This could indicate that the German does not think the process is complete yet and that he still chooses Marco van Ginkel. The first PSV captain was given rest in the cup match on Thursday, but also played against FC Groningen alongside Erick Gutierrez in the role of absent Sangaré.

Schmidt was clear about the importance of the match against Ajax. “It is not a must for PSV to win that match, but it is a chance to take more distance. We have worked hard to get to this situation. We will not just give that position away.”

Probable PSV line-up: Drommel; Teze, Obispo, Boscagli, Mauro Junior; Gutierrez, Van Ginkel; Doan, Götze, Gakpo; Zahavi.

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