Historic day for the Pomegranate, which faces this Thursday in the fiefdom of a no less historical European football, the PSV (with 1 European Cup, 1 UEFA, 1 European Super Cup and 1 Intercontinental), its debut in a continental competition, after the three previous rounds passed previously.
Those of Diego Martinez They arrive at this appointment with up to seven casualties: those of the injured Víctor Díaz, Domingos Duarte, Quini, Azeez and Neyder Lozano; that of Roberto Soldado (positive for COVID) and that of Fede Vico, who is not registered with UEFA. And with Jesús Vallejo between cottons, after forcing against Sevilla, when he played much more than expected despite dragging discomfort. Quite a challenge for Diego Martínez in what is undoubtedly the most difficult game in the group, completed by Greek PAOK and Cyprus's Omonia.
It seems difficult, in view of the circumstances, that the technician of the Pomegranate he will be able to perform many rotations so as not to wear his men excessively, who for now in LaLiga Santander do not accuse excess games (10 points out of 15 so far)
If Vallejo is not in conditions, the newly incorporated Nehuén Pérez could play in the back axis. The return to the starting eleven of Yangel Herrera and Darwin Machís is also expected; Jorge Molina and Luis Suárez opt for the position of Soldier.
He PSV Eindhoven It is a far superior team in experience, since in the last 47 seasons it has played 46 in European competitions, and leads the table in the Eredivisie. However, the 'tulips' are not spared from the coronavirus: central Pablo Rosario, left winger Cody Gakpo and substitute goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe tested positive last Thursday, who were also joined by striker Eran Zahavi and defender Jordan Teze . His presence in the eleven against Granada will depend on the PCR that is made in the previous game. His coach, the German Roger Schmidt, who took the reins of the team last March and has given the squad a much more solid and offensive character, will have to spin very fine when making the eleven.
It remains to be seen if Schmidt puts in the starting eleven Mario Gotze, which came by surprise to Eindhoven as a free player hours before the transfer market closes: he made his debut last weekend scoring a goal against Zwolle.
PSV-Granada
Philips Stadium, 18.55
PSV: Mvogo; Martin Max, Boscagli, Baumgarti, Dumfries; Jorrit Hendrix, Sangaré, Thomas, Gotze; Malen, Mauro Júnior
Granada: Rui Silva; Foulquier, Germán, Vallejo, Carlos Neva; Gonalons, Yangel Herrera, Montoro; Antonio Puertas, Machís and Luis Suárez
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)