PSV will look to respond to their disappointing 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard when they visit Excelsior on Saturday evening, with the defending champions already looking to avoid losing further ground in the early Eredivisie title race.

Bosz received some encouraging news on Friday as Dest and Veerman are available again, while new signing Kodai Sano is fit enough to be included in the matchday squad.

However, the situation surrounding Couhaib Driouech dominated the build-up after his proposed move to Rangers collapsed over a disagreement concerning his immediate availability.

The 24-year-old winger has returned to Eindhoven after the transfer fell through and is understood to be bitterly disappointed.

Bosz acknowledged that the first task will be helping the player deal with the situation before getting him back into the rhythm of the squad.

“First of all, you listen to him a lot,” Bosz said, as quoted in a report by PSV watcher Rik Elfrink. “I can fully understand that this is a huge disappointment for him. After that, we’ll look at how we can work together towards our main goal again.”

Driouech had travelled to Scotland with the expectation of completing the transfer before the deal collapsed following a dispute over his fitness and short-term availability.

PSV also suffered another setback during Friday's training session when Alassane Pléa picked up an injury.

The French forward, who only recently returned from a lengthy knee problem, will miss the match against Excelsior. Bosz confirmed that the latest issue is not related to the knee injury that kept Pléa out for most of last season.

“We will examine him,” Bosz said.

Noah Fernandez is also unavailable. Although the young defender trained on Friday, he has not recovered sufficiently to return to the squad.

Meanwhile, Jerdy Schouten remains sidelined and is not expected to return until 2027.

The return of Dest and Veerman gives Bosz more options as PSV attempt to make their attacking play less predictable.

Against Fortuna, Ricardo Pepi struggled to become involved when PSV had possession, although Bosz believes the problem was more complex.

“Sometimes the opposition puts up a wall, and we have to figure out a way to play through it. We weren't quite good enough last week to do that fluidly.”

Bosz also warned his players about an Excelsior side that has started the campaign with attacking intent.

“They’ve shown in several pre-season matches that they have no trouble finding the net.”

Sano is now in contention after completing a full pre-season with NEC Nijmegen, although Bosz stopped short of confirming whether the midfielder will start.

“Kodai has already completed a full pre-season with NEC and is fit.”

Filip Kostic has received his work permit but has not yet trained with PSV and therefore will not feature at Excelsior.

“As for Filip, he hasn't trained with us yet, and I still need to fully assess his situation. That could happen quickly now, though, since his paperwork has come through.”

Bosz's message ahead of Saturday is straightforward: PSV must regain focus and find a response after their difficult opening to the season.

“It’s up to us to keep our heads in the game and be ready for the match against Excelsior.”