PSV Eindhoven Left Without Strikers Ahead of Leipzig Champions League Clash

Alassane Plea has undergone surgery to treat his injury and is officially ruled out until the end of 2026. This massive blow plunges PSV Eindhoven into their most severe selection crisis of the season.

On 13 October, the Dutch champions will travel to RB Leipzig without a single fit, recognized striker in their squad. With their attack completely decimated, the coaching staff must consider risky tactical experiments for this daunting away trip.

Alassane Plea injury blow adds to growing casualty list

Although Alassane Plea's surgery was successful, he is guaranteed to remain sidelined for the remainder of 2026.

The coaching staff's selection headache has doubled with both Ricardo Pepi and Sam Lammers also in the treatment room. This injury crisis has wiped out all of PSV's natural centre-forward options, plunging the club into an unprecedented selection crisis ahead of the big clash.

An unsolvable puzzle ahead of Leipzig showdown

The trip to RB Leipzig on 13 October in the Champions League represents a monumental test for PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch side must travel to Germany with a severely depleted frontline and not a single fit, natural centre-forward.

To cope with this crisis, the manager is forced to consider a "false nine" system to patch up his side. Another temporary solution being weighed up is promoting academy prospects to the first team to plug the gaps for the upcoming storm.

Editorial view

The upcoming match is the ultimate test of character for the reigning Dutch champions. Backed into a corner, PSV Eindhoven must prove their resilience as a top club rather than looking for excuses.

Can the Dutch side, with a makeshift attack and temporary solutions, escape with at least a point against RB Leipzig? The answer will be revealed after 90 grueling minutes at the Red Bull Arena.