PSV carefully manages Ruben van Bommel: "Everything has to work
According to Vi.
Why this matters
PSV's careful management of Ruben van Bommel is crucial given the significant impact his injury had on last season. The young winger is an important piece for the team's future, and his adequate recovery could be decisive for PSV's performance in the Eredivisie and European competitions. Coach Peter Bosz's cautious approach reflects the importance of ensuring Van Bommel is fully fit before returning to competition.
Main conclusions
- PSV carefully manages Ruben van Bommel: "Everything has to work.
- Ruben van Bommel continues to recover from his serious knee injury and PSV will not rush his return.
- Ruben van Bommel remains central to PSV's plans.
PSV is carefully managing the return of Ruben van Bommel after the serious cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for practically the entirety of last season. The left-winger is not yet part of Peter Bosz's options at this stage of the pre-season and was once again left out of the squad for the friendly match won against Polish side Raków Częstochowa. In Eindhoven, the watchword is prudence.
The Dutch champion's coach, Peter Bosz, acknowledged that the process has been demanding and made it clear that there will be no rush with the young striker. According to the coach, the plan involves ensuring that all stages of the recovery are completed smoothly before Van Bommel returns to adding minutes. "Everything has to go right", is the key idea that guides the technical team at this stage.
In the preparation match against Raków, Van Bommel watched the game from the stands, alongside Jerdy Schouten, who was also recovering from physical problems. Bosz also explained the difference between gaining pace in training and doing so in competition, even in friendlies: in a controlled environment it is possible to limit the risk — for example, by asking defenders to avoid tackles from behind on players returning from injury, such as Van Bommel or Alassane Pléa, who also faced a serious problem last season. In play, however, this control does not exist, which increases the need for caution.
Remember that, last season, the transfer of Ruben van Bommel from AZ Alkmaar to PSV created an arm in the market: the then AZ sporting director, Max Huiberts, stopped Sven Mijnans from leaving for Eindhoven. This summer, the two players met again under the colors of PSV, but they have not yet shared the pitch, precisely because Van Bommel remains in charge management.
The preparation schedule for the Dutch champions still offers several opportunities for the winger to play his first minutes as soon as the medical department gives the green light. PSV has tests scheduled with Union Saint-Gilloise, Villarreal and FC Eindhoven, before the first official match of the season: at Johan Cruijff Schaal, on August 2, against AZ Alkmaar. Until then, the priority is to consolidate the recovery, avoiding setbacks that could compromise the start of 2024/25.
For now, PSV's approach seems unequivocal: no rush and no shortcuts. The objective is to return Van Bommel to the competition at the right time — when his knee fully responds to the demands of the game —, preserving an important asset for the upcoming campaign and mitigating risks in a period in which, even in private matches, intensity and the unpredictable can play against anyone returning from a long layoff.
What happens next
PSV will continue to closely monitor Ruben van Bommel's recovery, with the aim of gradually integrating him into the team's activities. The expectation is that, once all stages of the recovery process are completed, Van Bommel can once again be a viable option for Bosz. In the meantime, the club must focus on maintaining the form and cohesion of the team, especially with the approach of Johan Cruijff Schaal and the start of the new Eredivisie season.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Ruben van Bommel?
Ruben van Bommel is being carefully managed by PSV after a serious cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for most of last season.
Who confirmed the cautious management of Ruben van Bommel's return?
PSV coach Peter Bosz confirmed that Ruben van Bommel's recovery process is demanding and that there will be no rush.
Why are PSV being cautious with Ruben van Bommel?
PSV is being cautious to ensure
ensure that all stages of Van Bommel's recovery are completed smoothly before he returns to play.
What changes are being made in the approach to Van Bommel's return?
The approach includes limiting risk during training by avoiding tackles from behind on players who are recovering, such as Van Bommel.
Ruben van Bommel participated in the game against Raków Częstochowa?
No, Ruben van Bommel was not part of the squad and watched the game from the stands.