Feyenoord is beginning to recover its attacking options as the Eredivisie season nears its conclusion. The Rotterdam-based club confirmed via social media that attacking midfielder Sem Steijn and forward Shaqueel van Persie have returned to the training field following lengthy absences due to injury.
The return of both players, highlighted in training footage shared by the club on X, marks a significant step in their respective rehabilitation processes. While the club has not provided a definitive date for their competitive return, both players are reportedly aiming to contribute in the final matches of the campaign.
Sem Steijn: Recovery from Meniscus Surgery
Sem Steijn has faced a challenging second half of the season. The attacking midfielder’s absence began in February 2026, when he suffered a meniscus injury. According to official club communications, Steijn underwent successful surgery on February 20, 2026, and immediately began a rigorous recovery program.
For a period in March, reports suggested that Steijn might be sidelined for the remainder of the season. However, his return to group training on Friday, May 1, 2026, suggests a more optimistic timeline. During a press conference ahead of the club’s upcoming Sunday fixture, head coach Robin van Persie confirmed that Steijn had rejoined the group.
Shaqueel van Persie: Overcoming Knee Issues
The recovery of Shaqueel van Persie is equally pivotal for the club’s depth. The 19-year-old forward was sidelined starting in late January 2026, after sustaining an injury during a Europa League clash against Real Betis.
In a medical update released by Feyenoord on January 31, 2026, the club clarified that while van Persie required an extensive rehabilitation process, surgical intervention was not necessary. This news was intended to correct misinformation circulating in the media at the time. Since then, the young forward has been working through a phased recovery to regain his match fitness.
Van Persie’s absence came at a frustrating time, as he had been experiencing a period of strong individual development and increasing integration into the squad’s tactical plans.
Tactical Implications for the Final Stretch
The reintegration of Steijn and van Persie provides Robin van Persie with much-needed versatility in the final third. Steijn’s ability to operate as a playmaker and van Persie’s presence as a center-forward or winger allow the coach to shift between different attacking shapes depending on the opponent.
However, the transition from training to competitive minutes is delicate. With the season ending shortly, the medical staff must balance the desire for the players to feature with the risk of reinjury—particularly for Steijn, following his surgery, and van Persie, who has a history of long-term absences.
The return of Gijs Smal to training alongside Steijn further bolsters the squad’s defensive and transitional options, suggesting that Feyenoord is entering its final matches with a significantly healthier roster than it possessed in March.
Quick Summary: Injury Return Status
| Player | Injury Type | Sidelined Since | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sem Steijn | Meniscus (Surgical) | February 2026 | Returned to group training |
| Shaqueel van Persie | Knee Injury | January 2026 | Returned to training field |
| Gijs Smal | Not Specified | Not Specified | Returned to group training |
The next confirmed checkpoint for the squad will be the match this coming Sunday, where the availability of these players in the matchday squad will be determined by their performance in the final training sessions of the week.
Do you think Steijn and van Persie should be eased back in with substitute appearances, or does Feyenoord need them in the starting XI immediately? Let us know in the comments.
