Rotterdam – Feyenoord is navigating a challenging stretch of the season with several key players sidelined due to injury. However, positive developments are emerging from the training ground, as multiple players are making progress in their recovery. Central defender Gernot Trauner has returned to training, and midfielder Sem Steijn is also showing signs of a potential return to action this season.
Feyenoord club watcher Martijn Krabbendam observed the positive developments firsthand during a visit to the training complex on Friday. “I saw that Trauner was back training, albeit with the group that isn’t currently in contention for a starting spot. He is back on the pitch,” Krabbendam shared on the Dick Voormekaar Podcast. “I also saw Sauer participating, and Diarra has been back for some time. Sem Steijn also did some operate on the training ground this week. Several players are returning from injuries, which is good news for Van Persie as he’ll have more options in the final phase of the competition.”
Steijn is currently recovering from a meniscus injury. While the club previously announced that Bart Nieuwkoop’s season was over, Steijn’s situation remains less definitive. This leaves open the possibility of the midfielder featuring again before the finish of the campaign. His return to the training pitch further suggests that his injury may not be as severe as initially feared.
As Feyenoord prepares for their upcoming match on Sunday, the availability of several players remains uncertain. The attack and midfield appear largely settled, but the defensive line presents more questions. Tsuyoshi Watanabe remains a doubt, and further testing will determine his fitness. Robin van Persie was unable to provide a definitive update on Watanabe’s availability on Friday.
The injury situation at De Kuip is a critical storyline as Feyenoord pushes for success on multiple fronts. The return of experienced players like Trauner, even in a limited capacity, provides a boost to the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. For fans following the Eredivisie closely, the health of key players can significantly impact the club’s chances of securing a favorable position in the league table.
Trauner’s presence, even in training, is a welcome sight for Feyenoord supporters. The Austrian defender has been a mainstay in the team since arriving in 2021, contributing to their Eredivisie title and KNVB Beker triumph. His leadership and defensive solidity are highly valued by the coaching staff. His return to training, even with a limited role initially, offers Van Persie another option in central defense.
Steijn’s recovery is equally encouraging. The young midfielder has shown promise in his appearances for Feyenoord, and his return would add another dimension to the team’s midfield options. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset, and his potential return could provide a spark in the final stretch of the season.
The situation with Watanabe is particularly concerning, as the Japanese defender has become an important part of Feyenoord’s backline. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attack makes him a valuable asset. If Watanabe is unable to play on Sunday, Van Persie will necessitate to identify a suitable replacement, potentially altering the team’s tactical approach.
The club is carefully managing the workload of returning players to prevent re-injury. Krabbendam noted that Trauner is currently training with a group of players not expected to start, indicating a cautious approach to his reintegration. This measured approach is crucial to ensure that players are fully fit and able to contribute effectively when called upon.
Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding Sunday’s match, Feyenoord is also looking ahead to a thorough evaluation of the season. Krabbendam reported that Dick Advocaat, the namesake of the podcast, is now serving as an advisor to Van Persie. “He has a lot of enthusiasm for it,” Krabbendam said, adding that Advocaat has been involved in discussions with Van Persie and will be a regular presence at the training ground. This evaluation will likely focus on both the team’s performance and the physical demands placed on the players.
The club will also assess Van Persie’s future as head coach. While no decisions have been made, Krabbendam believes a comprehensive evaluation is inevitable. The physical strain on the squad will be a key consideration, as the team has faced a demanding schedule throughout the season. The outcome of this evaluation could have significant implications for the club’s long-term direction.
Feyenoord’s upcoming schedule is packed with important matches, making the availability of key players even more critical. The team will need to navigate a challenging run of fixtures if they hope to achieve their goals in both the Eredivisie and other competitions. The return of injured players, coupled with a careful approach to player management, will be essential to their success.
Here’s a quick glance at the current injury situation, as of Friday, March 21st:
| Inzetbaar zondag? | |
| Thomas Beelen | ❌ |
| Mats Deijl | ❌ |
| In-Beom Hwang | ❌ |
| Malcom Jeng | ❌ |
| Bart Nieuwkoop | ❌ |
| Shaqueel van Persie | ❌ |
| Gijs Smal | ❌ |
| Sem Steijn | ❌ |
| Jeremiah St. Juste | ❌ |
| Gernot Trauner | ❓ |
| Leo Sauer | ❓ |
| Givairo Read | ❓ |
| Tsuyoshi Watanabe | ❓ |
Feyenoord will face a tough test on Sunday, and the availability of key players will undoubtedly play a significant role in the outcome. The team will need to rely on their depth and tactical flexibility to overcome any challenges they face. The club’s supporters will be hoping to see a positive performance and a step closer to achieving their season goals.
The next update on team availability is expected shortly before kickoff on Sunday. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest news and analysis from De Kuip.
What are your thoughts on Feyenoord’s injury situation? Share your predictions for Sunday’s match in the comments below!
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