PSV hopes for Pepi's return in squad against Willem II

Pepi expected to return to PSV's squad for Willem II after missing since September with injury; Bosz cautious but optimistic.

Ricardo Pepi is on track to rejoin PSV's matchday squad for Saturday's fixture against Willem II, manager Peter Bosz indicated on Friday. The American striker has been sidelined since September when he suffered an injury against FC Twente. Bosz said Pepi trained well and showed no signs of holding back, though he stopped short of confirming his availability until after the session.

PSV have been severely depleted in attack, with Alassane Pléa and Sam Lammers also unavailable. Sven Mijnans has filled the gap in recent weeks, while Ruben van Bommel started in the recent 1–1 draw with Feyenoord when Mijnans was suspended. Pepi's return would be a significant boost; he has scored three goals this season and PSV have managed only five in their last five official matches since the international break, relying heavily on Guus Til.

Sam Lammers is training but not yet in contention for Willem II. New signing Sami Ouaissa suffered another injury setback on Thursday after only recently recovering from a previous one. PSV also remain without Pléa, Jerdy Schouten, Adamo Nagalo and Paul Wanner, whose shoulder injury is healing slowly.