PSV Director says Siem de Jong injury problems are ‘a bit exaggerated’
PSV’s Director of Football has declared that the injury problems of Siem de Jong are ‘a bit exaggerated’.
The impending arrival of the Newcastle midfielder has attracted plenty of interest in Holland de Jong’s shocking injury record hasn’t escaped their attention.
Suffering 11 significant injuries (see details below) in under three years, Director of Football Marcel Brands was quick to try and downplay them.
Quizzed by journalists as to whether a risk, even on loan, was worth taking on such an injury-plagued player, Marcel Brands said:
“I think that’s a bit exaggerated. He has had a few injuries, but also a few where he couldn’t do anything about it, a collapsed lung (twice!) and a finger in his eye.”
The Dutch media report that Siem de Jong is set to go through his medical this weekend before a loan deal will be (hopefully!) completed next week.
Siem de Jong has also been speaking about his impending return to Holland:
“I had given Ajax the first option. Now I hope to get started at PSV.
“Their (PSV’s) ambitions talk to me and they play Champions League. And it would mean that I ‘m going to play together with my brother. That’s a dream Luuk and I have had for some time.
“I first looked at whether Ajax was interested this summer. I thought that was the right path with my background, for a return to the Netherlands.
“I had a wonderful time at Ajax – became four times champion, was captain.
‘At PSV they respected that I wanted to give Ajax the first option.
“Coach Rafael Benitez has said he sees a future for me at the club but feels that I need matches at a level to judge me.
“And he can’t guarantee me games in the Championship he said.”
Siem de Jong injuries outlined by respected website Soccerway:
Hamstring 15/07/16 – ?????
Eye Injury 14/01/16 – 02/03/16
Head Injury 29/09/15 – 01/10/15
Thigh Muscle Strain 02/05/15 – 22/05/15
Pneumothorax 09/02/15 – 12/04/15
Groin Strain 04/09/14 – 25/01/15
Hamstring 16/03/14 – 29/04/14
Thigh Muscle Strain 17/01/14 – 29/01/14
Hamstring 19/11/13 – 08/01/14
Hamstring 06/10/13 – 14/10/13
Pneumothorax 11/08/13 – 10/09/13
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