Peter Bosz faces a mounting squad crisis as his veteran striker’s recovery stalls, forcing the Eredivisie leaders to test their depth while awaiting key reinforcements this winter.
PSV have suffered a fresh injury blow with Alassane Pléa now expected to remain sidelined until the end of the calendar year.
The 33-year-old striker has endured a difficult second season in Eindhoven, with his latest setback keeping him out for considerably longer than initially expected. As relayed by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV head coach Peter Bosz confirmed the updated timeline on Friday, while maintaining his belief that Pléa can return to his best during the second half of the season.
Pléa remains under contract with PSV until mid-2028.
The news came alongside some more encouraging developments in the squad, with Sami Ouaissa closing in on a return to competitive football.
Ouaissa Closing in on Return
Ouaissa is already back in training with the PSV squad and is expected to return to match action soon. The club is likely to ease him back through Jong PSV rather than immediately placing him into first-team competition.
There is also optimism surrounding Lutsharel Geertruida, who left the Netherlands' training camp with an injury. His absence is not expected to be lengthy, although it remains uncertain whether he will recover in time to face SC Heerenveen next Friday.
PSV will, however, have to manage several other absences in the coming weeks.
Paul Wanner is expected to miss several weeks with a foot injury and will not be available for the first matches after the international break.
Sam Lammers also requires more time before he can return to full training, while Kiliann Sildillia remains sidelined for several more weeks. Ricardo Pepi is unavailable as well.
Jerdy Schouten is not expected back until sometime in 2027, while Adamo Nagalo will miss the remainder of the season.
Bosz Has Options Despite Injury List
Despite the growing injury list, PSV remain confident they have sufficient depth to continue competing at a high level.
Seventeen-year-old Mikkel Bro Hansen is fit and available as an option at striker, although Guus Til and Sven Mijnans currently appear to be the more likely choices in that position.
With Wanner unavailable, Noah Fernandez and Ayoni Santos are among the players who could provide an alternative, while Amir Bouhamdi can also operate in midfield.
Defensively, PSV have Ryan Flamingo available as a potential replacement for Geertruida if required. The Netherlands international is not expected to be sidelined for long.
For Bosz, the immediate task is managing a depleted squad while waiting for several players to return. Pléa's extended absence is the latest setback, but Ouaissa's imminent comeback provides a timely boost as PSV prepare for the next stage of the season.
