De Jong return put back

Foot problem
The 27-year-old damaged cartilage in his knee playing against AFC Ajax on 24 October, but his rehabilitation has suffered a setback because of a problem with his foot which will require surgery. "I am recovering well from a tear in the knee, but a piece of bone in my foot has come loose and will be extracted next week," he said.

Taking his time
"I could be fit for the crucial Feyenoord match [on 12 December] but that might also result into being sidelined again for some seven or eight weeks. That is why I prefer to recuperate at leisure in order to be fully fit after the winter break."

Already through
De Jong, who scored PSV's winning goal in the 2-1 win at Rosenborg BK on Matchday 3, will miss their final Group E match at Panathinaikos FC on 7 December. PSV have already ensured a place in the first knockout round, but a point would clinch first place ahead of either Arsenal FC or the Greek champions. PSV's first Eredivisie fixture of the new year is on 22 January, with their next Champions League knockout game on 16 or 17 February.