Pardo blow for Feyenoord

New injury
Pardo has not played this season because of injuries to his ankle and right hamstring. The 22-year-old recently recovered from the latter problem but has now hurt his left hamstring while in action for the club's reserve team.

Schalke doubt
He is expected to be out for three more weeks, although it remains to be seen whether he will be fit or available for the UEFA Cup game against FC Schalke 04 in Rotterdam on 1 December. Before then, on Thursday, Feyenoord travel to Ferencvárosi TC for their second Group A encounter.

Brazilian boost
Better news for Feyenoord fans is the signing of Brazilian starlet Jackson de Coelho, or Jaja, on a free transfer from América FC, the Brazilian side with whom Feyenoord have a co-operation agreement. The 18-year-old, a left-sided midfield player, will initially join Feyenoord's Belgian feeder club, KVC Westerloo. Jaja will follow defender André Bahia, who arrived last week from CR Flamengo, to De Kuip.

Suspensions looming
Meanwhile, midfield player Pascal Bosschaart and wing-back Chong-Gug Song have been banned for three league games - plus one suspended - after both were sent off in Sunday's 4-1 defeat at AZ Alkmaar. As a result they will miss the match against AFC Ajax on 14 November.