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Feyenoord’s injury woes persist ahead of Inter clash in Champions League

March 4, 2025

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Feyenoord’s injury woes persist ahead of Inter clash in Champions League

NOVEMBER 26: Facundo Gonzalez of Feynoord and teammates celebrate following a draw in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at City of Manchester Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Feyenoord continue to grapple with a significant injury crisis as they prepare to face Inter in the Champions League Round of 16.

Their squad’s health has seen little improvement since their playoff tie against Milan, with the most notable change being the appointment of Robin van Persie as head coach.

Van Persie to become new Feyenoord coach ahead of Inter — ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 07: Feyenoord head coach Robin Van Persie and SS Lazio head coach Stefano Sanderra pose during the UEFA Youth League match between SS Lazio and Feyenoord at Formello Sport Centre on November 07, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker took charge in late February, replacing Brian Priske, who was dismissed just eight months into his tenure.

Injury-ravaged Feyenoord face crisis ahead of Inter clash

However, Van Persie inherited a squad ravaged by injuries – captain Quinten Timber has been ruled out for the season after undergoing knee surgery for a ligament injury suffered against Milan.

As reported by Tuttomercatoweb, his absence adds to an already lengthy list of sidelined players, including goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and defenders Gernot Trauner, Facundo Gonzalez, Jordan Lotomba, and Bart Nieuwkoop.

epa11891748 Antoni Milambo of Feyenoord (L) guards Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan (C-R) during the UEFA Champions League playoff first leg soccer match between Feyenoord and AC Milan, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 12 February 2025. EPA-EFE/OLAF KRAAK

Midfield options are also depleted, with Hwang In-beom, Jakub Moder, Antoni Milambo, Jaden Nadje, Calvin Stengs, and Ramiz Zerrouki all unavailable, forcing Van Persie to consider calling up youth players.

Adding to Feyenoord’s woes, full-back Givairo Read will miss the first leg due to suspension but is expected to return for the decisive second leg at San Siro.

However, the Dutch Eredivisie accepted the club’s appeal to postpone their match this weekend, meaning they will be given rest for several days before the second leg.