Sem Steijn, last year's Eredivisie top scorer, only played 28 minutes in last weekend's 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles after coming on for the injured Oussama Targalline and being taken out again during half-time. The midfielder was already dealing with a knee injury, but aggravated it in his short cameo.
After scans, Steijn's knee injury required surgery to repair a damaged meniscus. The Dutchman is now set to miss an extended period of time.
Targhalline out after tackle
Along with Steijn, Morocco international Oussama Targhalline is expected to miss a number of weeks after sustaining an injury in last weekend's game against Go Ahead Eagles. Targhalline was forced to be taken off after a rough tackle from Thibo Bauten, who was sent off after planting his studs on Targhalline's calf.
The midfield pair join a long list of absentees: Leo Sauer, Givairo Read, Thomas Beelen, Gernot Trauner, Malcolm Jeng, and Shaqueel van Persie are all unavailable for manager Robin van Persie, whose team are fighting to finish in second in the Eredivisie.