PSV hit by injuries
Thursday, December 6, 2001
Article summary
PSV Eindhoven have an injury crisis ahead of their UEFA Cup third-round tie against FC PAOK Thessaloniki.
Article body
FC PAOK Thessaloniki have the advantage after the first leg and PSV Eindhoven have by far the worst of it regarding injuries so most neutrals would back the Greek team to complete a UEFA Cup third-round victory in the Philips stadium on Thursday.
Big blow
The big blow for PSV coach Eric Gerets as he tries to overturn a 3-2 deficit is the loss of Mateja Kezman who will be missing for several weeks after twisting both a knee and an ankle last weekend. The talented young Yugoslavian has been forced in recent weeks to deny speculation that he is about to sign for one of Europe's major clubs.
Goalkeeper doubtful
In addition, reserve goalkeeper Patrick Lodewijks sprained an ankle in training this week and is doubtful. He joins a long list that shows Wilfred Bouma, Mark van Bommel, Andre Ooijer, Kevin Hofland, Arnold Bruggink and John de Jong as either doubts or definite non-starters. On top of that Johann Vogel is suspended.
Encouraging result
Lodewijks' problem could lead to senior keeper Ronald Waterreus being forced into action when Gerets would prefer to ease him back in the new year after he suffered complications following elbow surgery. At least Gerets can take encouragement from the way PSV eased past AZ Alkmaar at the weekend, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scoring twice in a 3-0 win.
PAOK look for revenge
PAOK are hoping to take advantage of that injury toll and exact revenge for the defeat they suffered at the hands of these opponents in last year's third round in both the home and away legs. Victory would put them in the fourth round for the first time.
Injury update
They are not without their own concerns and were forced to leave Vasilios Borbokis and Panagiotis Engmittis at home because of injury. Coach Dusan Bajevic has no alternative right-back and will probably switch Anastasios Katsabis over from the middle of defence.
Bajevic promise
Bajevic promised that PAOK will play an offensive game in the Philips Stadium. "The score from the first game is not the best score for us. That's why we have to play for the victory, like in the first game. We have some absences but we have the players to replace them."
