Tsuyoshi Watanabe may be available for Feyenoord when they face Ajax in De Klassieker. Initial reports suggested the Japanese defender would miss the highly anticipated match, but the Algemeen Dagblad reported on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that he now has a chance to play.
In recent days, indications were that Watanabe wouldn’t be fit in time for the clash at De Kuip. Manager Robin van Persie stated before the match against Excelsior that the defender “is not fit enough to play today.”
Following the city derby, van Persie tempered expectations, stating he wasn’t anticipating a quick return for injured players. However, Watanabe’s situation now appears to be changing. A potential return for the 29-year-old defender would be a significant boost for Feyenoord, given their current defensive challenges.
The Rotterdam club is currently dealing with a lengthy injury list in the backfield. Thomas Beelen, Gijs Smal, Gernot Trauner, Bart Nieuwkoop, Malcolm Jeng, Jeremiah St. Juste and Givairo Read are all unavailable due to injury. Mats Deijl is sidelined through suspension.
Fortunately for Feyenoord, Anel Ahmedhodžić is once again available after serving a suspension. The Bosnian defender’s return could provide added stability to the team’s defense leading up to the crucial match against Ajax.
