PSV Eindhoven will conclude their championship-winning campaign without the services of versatile defender Mauro Júnior. The club has confirmed the Brazilian will not feature in either of their remaining Eredivisie fixtures against Go Ahead Eagles or FC Twente due to an unspecified injury.
The news comes as a precautionary measure from head coach Peter Bosz, whose side has already secured the league title. With the season's primary objective achieved, the focus shifts to player welfare, particularly with an eye on upcoming international commitments. "We are not going to take that risk with him," Bosz stated plainly during his pre-match press conference, confirming Mauro's absence for both the away trip to De Adelaarshorst and the final home game at Philips Stadium.
Mauro Júnior's absence creates a notable gap in PSV's defensive options. The 24-year-old has been a valuable squad player throughout the season, capable of operating across the backline and in midfield. His absence, coupled with other injury concerns, will test the depth of the champions in what are effectively dead-rubber matches.
Compounding the defensive selection issues is the continued absence of midfielder Ismael Saibari. The Moroccan international will definitely miss the match against Go Ahead Eagles and remains a significant doubt for the season finale against FC Twente. Bosz expressed some uncertainty about Saibari's potential return, questioning whether it would be worthwhile to rush him back for a single match. "It could be that Ismael makes the Twente game. I'm not sure about that, though. Or whether it's still worth the effort..." the coach mused.
However, there is positive news on the injury front. Defender Anass Salah-Eddine is on the verge of making his return to the matchday squad. The young left-back has been sidelined but is progressing well in training. "If the training goes well, he will be in the squad. We are happy that he is back," Bosz confirmed, offering a glimmer of hope for the defensive unit.
The situation surrounding forward Alassane Pléa remains delicately balanced. The Frenchman, who has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines, faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the final match. Bosz highlighted the careful consideration required, weighing the player's desire to feature against the medical risks. "You have to look at: is it worth it to play one more match. Especially when you look at Pléa, who has been out for so long. To then go all out to get minutes in that one match... It would of course be fantastic for the lad, but it also has to be responsible," the manager explained.
These final two fixtures present a unique challenge for PSV. With the Eredivisie title already in the bag, the matches against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Twente are purely about professional pride and maintaining momentum. For Bosz, it represents an opportunity to manage his squad carefully, give minutes to returning players, and avoid any unnecessary setbacks before the summer break.
The cautious approach is particularly understandable given the proximity of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Several PSV players are expected to be called up for international duty, and risking further injury in meaningless club matches would be counterproductive for both the players and their national teams.
For Mauro Júnior, the season ends on a frustrating note. While he will celebrate the championship success with his teammates, missing the final matches denies him the chance to contribute on the pitch during the celebratory run-in. His focus will now turn fully to recovery and preparing for the next campaign.
PSV's final two games will serve as a platform for squad rotation and a chance for fringe players to stake their claim. The return of Salah-Eddine, if confirmed, would be a welcome boost, while the club will continue to monitor Saibari and Pléa on a day-by-day basis.
Based on reporting from Voetbal International.
