Feyenoord faces a significant defensive challenge heading into their match against Heracles Almelo, with key center-back Tsuyoshi Watanabe sidelined due to injury. The news, first reported by algemeen Dagblad, comes as a blow to manager Robin van Persie, who is already grappling with a depleted roster of central defenders.
The timing of Watanabe’s injury is notably concerning. van Persie had expressed optimism on Friday, stating that all players returning from international duty where fit. Watanabe himself played the full 90 minutes in two recent national team fixtures, only to sustain an injury upon his return to Rotterdam. This situation highlights the inherent risks associated with international breaks, a concern familiar to many clubs adn their fan bases.
The exact severity of watanabe’s calf injury remains undisclosed, but its impact is immediate.With Gernot Trauner, Thomas Beelen, and Malcolm Jeng already unavailable, Feyenoord’s defensive options are severely limited. A potential solution could involve shifting Gijs Smal, who was reportedly slated to start at left-back to rest Jordan Bos, into a central defensive role. This tactical reshuffling underscores the depth issues Feyenoord is currently experiencing.
Other candidates to fill the void include Jan Plug and Thijs Kraaijeveld. Kraaijeveld’s recent appearance for Feyenoord’s Under-21 squad on Saturday suggests he may be less likely to be thrust into the starting lineup. Plug,while a consistent presence in the squad,has seen minimal playing time this season,making his readiness for a starting role questionable.
Updated 1:30 PM: According to RTV Rijnmond’s Dennis van Eersel, Watanabe’s injury is a calf issue, likely sustained during Saturday’s training session. This aligns with the possibility of Kraaijeveld being considered for a starting role, as he was active with the U21s. The extent to which this injury will affect Feyenoord’s upcoming crucial matches against Panathinaikos and PSV remains to be seen, adding another layer of uncertainty for the club and its supporters.
Who should play next to Ahmedhodzic?
