The PSV trembles for its Moroccan players before the CAN

The PSV Eindhoven coach, Peter Bosz, is facing a logistical puzzle as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches. The technician still does not know the exact date when he will have to do without his Moroccan internationals, an uncertainty that weighs heavily on the management of his workforce for the crucial deadlines of December.

The competition, which will take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, will deprive the Dutch club of several players, including Moroccans Ismael Saibari and Anass Salah-Eddine. For now, Peter Bosz does not know if he will have to release his players one or two weeks before the start of the tournament. He describes this situation as "rather strange", stressing that this difference in timing changes everything. With a rhythm of two games per week, the number of matches missed by the players could double, going from two to four depending on the imposed departure date.

Absences that could extend until 2026

It is already established that the players concerned will be absent for the matches against GVVV in the Cup and FC Utrecht in the championship, scheduled for mid-December. However, uncertainty remains about their participation in the previous matches, in particular the Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid on December 9 and the match against Heracles Almelo.

The unavailability of the internationals could also extend well beyond the winter break. With Morocco considered one of the favorites of the home tournament, a long run by the Atlas Lions would deprive PSV of Saibari and Salah-Eddine for the resumption in January 2026. They would then miss the league matches against Excelsior and Fortuna Sittard, as well as the European trip to Newcastle United.