Feyenoord confirmed on Monday that Thomas Beelen sustained a broken leg during Saturday’s friendly against KAA Gent. The defender has since undergone successful surgery but will not be joining the training camp in Germany this week. Gernot Trauner will also miss the trip due to an injury.
Based on the graphic images, it was already apparent that Beelen had broken his leg in a challenge with Gent attacker Hélio Varela, but in recent days Feyenoord had only referred to a “serious leg injury”.
The club has not yet announced a recovery timeline for the 24-year-old from Harderwijk, but it is clear that he will be sidelined for an extended period.
Beelen’s absence creates further challenges for coach Robin van Persie in the defense. He is also unable to call upon Dávid Hancko, who is in the process of finalizing his transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Trauner has also been ruled out for the time being due to injury. He is working on his recovery in Rotterdam, along with Chris-Kévin Nadje, Shiloh ‘t Zand, Jeyland Mitchell and Neraysho Kasanwirjo. All of them will miss the training camp in Grassau, Germany, which lasts until Sunday. A day before departure, the Eredivisie team will play a practice match against Austrian side FC Liefering.
Feyenoord close to signing Watanabe
Meanwhile, Feyenoord is actively working on securing new defenders. Reportedly, the club is very close to reaching an agreement with KAA Gent for the transfer of the 28-year-old Japanese player Tsuyoshi Watanabe.
Feyenoord started against Gent with the twenty-year-old Jan Plug in central defense. Midfielders Jakub Moder and Ramiz Zerrouki and the eighteen-year-old talent Thijs Kraaijeveld also played in the heart of the defense.
It is important for Feyenoord to get the selection in order quickly, as Van Persie’s team must already compete in the Champions League preliminary round in early August. The Eredivisie starts for Feyenoord on August 9 with a home match against NAC Breda.