The American striker’s injury compounds Peter Bosz’s selection crisis, leaving the Eredivisie leaders shorthanded up front as multiple key attackers remain sidelined with significant injuries.
Ricardo Pepi will miss PSV’s upcoming matches after the American striker suffered an injury during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at FC Twente.
PSV have been dealt another setback in attack, with Ricardo Pepi remaining in Eindhoven to focus on his recovery after being ruled out of the United States’ upcoming friendly internationals.
The 23-year-old striker started at the Grolsch Veste on Sunday but lasted only six minutes before being forced off with an injury. Sven Mijnans replaced him as Peter Bosz’s side eventually suffered their first competitive defeat of the 2026/27 season.
Pepi has now withdrawn from the United States squad and will instead concentrate on his rehabilitation in Eindhoven.
“Thanks to everyone for the warm messages,” Pepi said. “Unfortunately, this is just a minor setback. I have already started my recovery to be back as soon as possible and help the team.”
The extent of the injury has not been disclosed, meaning there is currently no confirmed timeline for the striker’s return.
Pepi’s absence is particularly challenging for Bosz, who is already managing a growing list of injuries in the attacking department. Alassane Pléa suffered another injury in the middle of August and is expected to remain sidelined until the end of the month.
New signing Sam Lammers has also been unavailable in recent weeks because of an injury, leaving Bosz with increasingly limited options at centre-forward.
The situation was already evident at Twente. After Pepi’s early departure, Bosz turned to Mijnans, with Guus Til also capable of operating in the central attacking role. The PSV coach had previously indicated that using players in different positions could provide a temporary solution while the club’s injured forwards recover.
Pepi’s injury also rules him out of the United States’ upcoming friendly matches, as the striker remains in Eindhoven rather than joining the national team.
For PSV, the immediate priority is now Pepi’s recovery. The club have not stated how many matches the American is expected to miss, leaving his return date uncertain as Bosz prepares for the next phase of the season.
