Anderlecht’s Tactical Dilemma: Will Bertaccini and Cvetkovic Start Amid Injury Crisis?

Anderlecht faces a significant challenge as they prepare for their upcoming match, with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Coach Jérémy Taravel must navigate a complex squad situation, particularly regarding the potential inclusion of substitutes Bertaccini and Cvetkovic in the starting lineup.

The Belgian club has been dealing with a series of setbacks, most notably the injury to Mario Stroeykens, who was substituted during a recent match against STVV with a hamstring injury. According to injury updates from December 2025, Stroeykens is expected to be sidelined until the end of January, ruling him out of the Africa Cup of Nations with DR Congo. Similarly, Ilay Camara picked up an injury during the same match, expected to be sidelined until the end of January, ruling him out of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

Recent reports indicate that Anderlecht has suffered another significant blow, with a first-team player likely to miss the remainder of the season. While the specific player wasn’t named in the available reports, the club is facing mounting injury concerns that have forced Taravel to reconsider his tactical approach.

In their most recent match against KV Mechelen on April 19, 2026, Anderlecht secured a 2-1 away victory after trailing 1-0 at halftime. The turning point came when substitutes Mihajlo Cvetkovic and Adriano Bertaccini scored within ten minutes of the second half to overturn the deficit. Cvetkovic headed in the equalizer and then converted the rebound for the lead, while Bertaccini played a crucial role in the comeback.

The performance of Cvetkovic and Bertaccini as substitutes has sparked debate about their potential inclusion in the starting lineup. Their impact off the bench in the Mechelen match demonstrated their ability to influence games, leading to questions about whether they should start future matches.

However, Taravel faces a complex puzzle with multiple players unavailable. Reports indicate that Stroeykens and De Cat are both out, which the coach described as “mentaal zwaar voor jongens die naar het WK zouden kunnen” (mentally heavy for young players who could go to the World Cup). This situation has forced the coach to make difficult decisions about squad selection and tactics.

The uncertainty extends to other squad members, with reports suggesting that an Anderlecht midfielder’s season might be over, though it’s not yet certain. This ongoing uncertainty complicates Taravel’s planning as he tries to field a competitive team despite the injury crisis.

As Anderlecht continues their push for a European place, the fitness of key players and the potential integration of Bertaccini and Cvetkovic into the starting lineup will be crucial factors. The team’s recent success with these players coming off the bench suggests they could provide valuable options, but the coach must balance immediate needs with long-term squad management.

Anderlecht’s next match will be a critical test of how Taravel navigates these challenges. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether the coach opts to start Bertaccini and Cvetkovic or continues to utilize them as impact substitutes.

Stay tuned for further updates on Anderlecht’s lineup decisions and injury situations as the season progresses.