PSV Eindhoven will begin their Eredivisie title defence without new signing Filip Kostić, with Peter Bosz confirming that the Serbian international is still waiting for his work permit.

The 33-year-old has already been presented by PSV after signing a two-year contract, but the administrative delay means he cannot feature when the champions host Fortuna Sittard on Saturday.

Kostić's absence is an early setback for Bosz, who has been preparing his squad for the start of another demanding domestic campaign.

Bosz's pre-season has produced mixed feelings, although the progress of Alassane Pléa has been a clear positive.

The French forward has spent around a year dealing with a knee injury but has gradually increased his workload during pre-season. Bosz admitted there had been genuine concern over whether the 33-year-old would make a full return.

"Fortunately, things are really heading in the right direction. I was worried about that," Bosz said in his press conference.

"Of course, I was told here what was really going on. At some point, you start to wonder: is he going to come back at all? Fortunately, we were able to give him a lot of minutes during pre-season."

While Pléa is still working towards his best physical condition, Bosz believes the striker's technical quality remains intact.

"What struck me is that his technique, which was extraordinary, is still extraordinary. He hasn't lost any of that," he explained.

"For him, it is purely about fitness and match rhythm. But in any case, he is on the right track. I am very happy that he has come this far."

PSV will also be without Sergiño Dest and Joey Veerman through suspension.

Veerman's punishment was reduced on Friday from the initial demand, leaving him with a two-match suspension, one of which is conditional.

That means Bosz will have to introduce changes to the side that suffered a heavy defeat to AZ in the Johan Cruyff Shield.

The champions are looking to respond immediately when Fortuna arrive at the Philips Stadion, with the defence of their Eredivisie crown starting on Saturday.

Another summer arrival, Kodai Sano, will also not be available.

The midfielder's transfer from NEC Nijmegen to PSV has not yet been finalised, meaning Bosz must wait before he can integrate the 22-year-old into his competitive plans.

Bosz has offered little detail about the Japan international but indicated that he views Sano primarily as a number six, suggesting a role in the deeper midfield position.

With Kostić and Sano unavailable and Veerman suspended, PSV's opening fixture will provide an early test of the squad's depth.

For Bosz, however, Pléa's return offers an important reason for optimism as PSV begin their quest to retain the Dutch title.