Peter Bosz faces a difficult selection puzzle as PSV prepare to return to Eredivisie action against SC Heerenveen on Friday.

The timing of the fixture presents an additional problem for the PSV manager. His side will be back in league action just three days after the international window ends, with several players potentially involved in matches on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.

Injuries have already reduced Bosz’s options, particularly in attack, while the return journeys of several internationals could force the manager to carefully manage his squad.

Sergiño Dest faces one of the most demanding schedules.

The PSV full-back is due to represent the United States against Canada overnight, from Tuesday into Wednesday. That leaves him with just over 60 hours between the international fixture and PSV’s meeting with Heerenveen at the Philips Stadion, while also requiring a long journey across time zones.

Given the limited recovery period, Dest starting on Friday appears unlikely. Bosz and his fitness staff are known to closely monitor workloads and the risk of overexertion, making it possible that the American will instead be managed with next Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig in mind.

Ivan Perisic is another player who could be carefully managed, as reported by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad.

The veteran is expected to be involved when Croatia face Spain on Tuesday evening. At almost 38, Perisic has played considerable minutes in recent weeks, although Bosz has regularly substituted him after half-time.

As a result, the Croatian could begin the Heerenveen match on the bench, particularly given the short recovery period between international duty and Friday’s league fixture.

Bosz’s concerns are not restricted to players returning from international duty.

PSV are already without three attacking options through injury. Ricardo Pepi, Alassane Pléa and Sam Lammers are all unavailable, leaving the manager with limited choices in the striker position.

Pepi is expected to remain out for several more weeks, while Lammers will also be sidelined for some time. PSV have dismissed suggestions that Lammers, like Pléa, could be unavailable until the end of the calendar year as completely unfounded.

In midfield, the circumstances appear to be creating an opportunity for Guus Til and Sven Mijnans.

Noah Fernandez could also return to the starting XI. With Paul Wanner unavailable because of a foot injury, the young Belgian appears to be the leading candidate to occupy one of the two deeper midfield positions alongside Kodai Sano.

However, Sano’s availability is still something to monitor. The midfielder is returning from international duty with Japan and will need to be assessed before Friday.

There is more encouraging news elsewhere in the squad.

If Lutsharel Geertruida is unable to feature, Ryan Flamingo is expected to partner Armando Obispo in central defence. Obispo has been involved with Curaçao during the international window but was rested for one of their matches this weekend, giving him additional recovery time.

Captain Mauro Júnior also appears set to return in time to play a part against Heerenveen.

Mauro has recently made his Brazil debut and has enjoyed an emotional period with the national team. His workload has nevertheless been relatively manageable, with Brazil playing three internationals during the break rather than four. The PSV captain also played only around 30 minutes in Brazil’s final match last weekend.

With the Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig following shortly afterwards, Bosz must now balance immediate Eredivisie demands with the need to protect a squad already affected by injuries and a demanding international schedule.