Peter Bosz has provided a detailed update on PSV’s growing injury list, confirming that Alassane Pléa will not play again this calendar year while several other players are still recovering.

Speaking to PSV Watcher Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, Bosz explained that Sami Ouaissa is progressing well and is expected to return to practice matches next week, while Sam Lammers still needs more time before rejoining the main group.

Ouaissa has missed seven weeks with an ankle problem and is likely to begin his comeback with Jong PSV rather than immediately returning to first-team action.

“He’s making steady progress and will be back participating in practice matches next week.”

Bosz stressed that simply returning to training is not enough after such a long absence.

“He might get his first minutes with Jong PSV. I realize that might not sound ideal, but it’s necessary if he wants to return to action. Training alone isn't enough.”

He cited Esmir Bajraktarevic's experience as an example of why players returning from injury or a lengthy absence may need competitive minutes with Jong PSV.

The situation is more serious for Pléa. Bosz confirmed that the experienced forward has undergone another operation and will not be available again before the new year.

“Pléa won’t play again this calendar year.”

Asked about the setback, Bosz expressed his sympathy for the 33-year-old.

“Yes, I really feel for him. It’s very sad what happened to him and that he has to sit out for a long time again. He’s undergone surgery again, and we aren’t counting on having him back until next year.”

Paul Wanner will also be out for several weeks, and Ricardo Pepi's injury surprised the PSV staff. Lutsharel Geertruida, meanwhile, is expected to return sooner.

“We’ll definitely be without Paul for a few weeks. Pepi came as a surprise to us. It’s the first real injury of the season, and we’ll be missing him for a while too. I don’t expect Lutsharel to be out for long.”

Ruben van Bommel has made headlines during the international break, producing a superb assist before later making a costly mistake.

Bosz was pleased with the PSV winger's contribution but acknowledged that consistency remains the next major step in his development.

“As a coach, you’re naturally a supporter of your own players. I was really happy for him after that assist. But Ruben isn't at the top of his game in every match yet.”

Bosz pointed to Van Bommel's contrasting performances for PSV as evidence of the challenge ahead.

“In top-level football, you need consistency.”

He added:

“That’s the hardest thing there is, and it’s the next step he needs to take. Players who play like a nine one time and a three the next aren't much use to you.”

With PSV short of attacking options, the possibility of bringing back former captain Luuk de Jong could naturally arise. Bosz, however, said the club has not discussed such a move.

“We honestly haven’t discussed that at all, and I don’t know exactly what stage his rehabilitation is at. We have several options of our own.”

One of those options is 17-year-old Mikkel Bro Hansen, who has returned to the first-team setup.

Bosz believes the young striker has interesting qualities but stressed the importance of his age and circumstances.

“He’s an interesting player. A striker who links up well with the play; he’s technically skilled and uses his body the right way.”

However, Bosz added a note of caution.

“But he’s seventeen, you know. Seventeen. And he’s just started living in a foreign country with his girlfriend. That is incredibly young. We’ll have to see how he develops.”

Amir Bouhamdi is another player Bosz believes can develop into a first-team option.

“To me, he’s a first-team player. Maybe not on paper just yet, but he’s proven that he keeps pushing hard.”

Bosz has set a clear benchmark for the midfielder's performances with Jong PSV.

“I want him to be the best player on the pitch whenever he plays for Jong PSV. I want people to see him stand out, even if they don't know who he is.”

For Bosz, that level of performance is essential for a player training regularly with the senior squad.

“That’s a must, given that he trains with us.”

With several players still unavailable, PSV are managing a demanding period with a mixture of experienced players and emerging academy talent, while Bosz waits for his squad to gradually return to full strength.