Feyenoord are set to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign under mounting pressure, as a wave of injuries threatens to derail their third-round qualifier against Turkish giants Fenerbahce. As the Dutch side prepares to host the first leg at De Kuip on Wednesday night, head coach Robin van Persie must navigate a depleted squad missing several key players across all areas of the pitch.
Key Absences Pile Up for Feyenoord
Feyenoord will be without at least five first-team regulars for the crucial European fixture. The injury list includes left-back Gijs Smal, centre-back Gernot Trauner, midfielder Jakub Moder, forward Julian Carranza, and starting goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
Jakub Moder is the most recent addition to the club’s growing injury list. The Polish international, who skipped Tuesday’s training, is nursing what the club describes as a “minor injury.” While his participation is still uncertain, Van Persie remains cautiously optimistic. “I still hope he can play,” the former Premier League star said during his pre-match press conference.
Defensive Concerns Deepen
Feyenoord’s defensive setup is under particular strain. Gernot Trauner continues his recovery from a nagging Achilles injury, while Gijs Smal picked up a knock during a pre-season friendly against Nice. Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is also unavailable due to lack of fitness, a setback confirmed by Van Persie last week. Adding to the defensive headache is the long-term absence of Thomas Beelen, who suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
Attack Also Affected
Julian Carranza, the Argentine striker signed to bolster Feyenoord’s attacking options, will also miss the season opener. The club is handling his recovery cautiously after he was absent from the recent friendly against Wolfsburg.
Boost from New Signing Ahmedhodzic
In a glimmer of positive news, newly signed defender Anel Ahmedhodzic will be eligible for the midweek showdown. The Bosnian international finalized his move from Sheffield United just in time and has been officially registered for the Champions League qualifier. Van Persie hinted that the 25-year-old could be thrown straight into action, stating there’s a “big chance” he starts alongside Tsuyoshi Watanabe in central defense.
What’s at Stake
The first leg of the third-round Champions League qualifier kicks off on Wednesday, August 6 at 21:00 CET in Rotterdam. Despite the injury setbacks, Feyenoord will be hoping to leverage home advantage and take a crucial step toward the group stages against a formidable Fenerbahce side.
