Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie will be without right-back Bart Nieuwkoop for the remainder of the season following a recent injury sustained during a match against Excelsior, the club confirmed today.
Nieuwkoop was substituted in the 68th minute of Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Excelsior after entering the game as a replacement for Hwang In-beom, who himself had been forced off the pitch earlier in the match. Jakub Moder shifted to midfield following Nieuwkoop’s introduction, with Mats Deijl moving to center-back.
This marks the latest setback for Nieuwkoop, who previously had to leave a match against FC Twente early after coming on as a substitute just two weeks prior. Van Persie acknowledged the mounting injury concerns following the match, stating, “Hwang had a terrible moment on the sidelines. And we’re also missing Deijl next week. I’d be happy if we could put eleven players on the pitch in their normal positions. That’s the reality we’re facing now.”
Nieuwkoop has struggled with injuries throughout the current season, including a groin injury that sidelined him for over a month and resulted in him missing five matches. He has also experienced several minor injuries.
Feyenoord reports that Givairo Read, another right-back, is currently in recovery and progressing, but is not yet fully fit to return to the squad. The team will, however, have Anel Ahmedhodzic available for selection after the defender served a suspension last weekend.
Concerns are also growing regarding the fitness of midfielder Hwang In-beom, with reports indicating his injury could jeopardize his participation in the upcoming World Cup. The severity of Hwang’s injury was noted by Van Persie after the match against Excelsior, and has been reported by multiple news outlets in South Korea.
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