PSV to Rest Key Player Saibari Ahead of Volendam Clash
PSV Eindhoven will be without midfielder Ismael Saibari for their Friday evening Eredivisie match against FC Volendam. Head coach Peter Bosz has granted Saibari several days of rest following a demanding period that included participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, where his team reached the final.
“I have given Ismael a few days off,” Bosz stated to the press. The decision comes as the club manages player fatigue after Saibari’s extended run with the Moroccan national team, which meant he didn’t have a traditional winter break.
The club is also monitoring Anass Salah-Eddine, another player who recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. He may be included in the squad for the Volendam game but will likely receive rest following the match.
PSV will also be without Ricardo Pepi, who continues to recover from a broken arm. However, Pepi is making progress in his rehabilitation, and Bosz noted he is now able to participate in more complex training drills. “He can now participate in positional play and small-sided games, which he needs to regain match fitness,” Bosz explained.
Bosz also expressed concern about potential illness within the squad as players return from carnival celebrations. The team is urging players to avoid excessive partying in the lead-up to the match. “One rule for the PSV squad during carnival: ‘Don’t get too drunk,’” a source within the club relayed.
The match between FC Volendam and PSV Eindhoven is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM local time on Friday. This fixture presents an opportunity for PSV to maintain their position at the top of the Eredivisie table.
