Greg . 1 day ago

Feyenoord without several key players for Champions League clash against Fenerbahce

Feyenoord have to do without five key players in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third-round matchup against Fenerbahce.

The Rotterdam giants open their season in their own De Kuip stadium against Fenerbahce, but will miss left-support Gijs Smal, centre-support Gernot Trauner, midfielder Jakub Moder, striker Julian Carranza, and goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.

Moder, the latest addition to Feyenoord's already full physio room, is dealing with a "minor injury" that will most likely keep him sidelined for Feyenoord's season opener.

The Polish midfielder did not join the first-team practice on Tuesday, but Van Persie refuses to rule him out just yet.

"I still wish he can play," the Premier League icon said during Tuesday's press conference.

Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie during Tuesday's press conferenceAgit Erdi Ulukaya / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP / ProfimediaInjury-riddled FeyenoordGernot Trauner is still recovering from an Achilles injury, whilst Gijs Smal sustained an injury during the pre-season friendly against Nice.

The situation of Argentine striker Julian Carranza is being managed with care after the youngster missed last weekend's friendly against Wolfsburg.

Justin Bijlow lacks fitness and will therefore miss out on the first couple of games of the season, manager Robin van Persie revealed last week.

Thomas Beelen, who sustained a significant knee injury in pre-season, will be out for the coming months.

Ahmedhodzic eligibleNew centre-half Anel Ahmedhodzic is eligible to play against Fenerbahce.

The Bosnian defender joined Feyenoord from Sheffield United in a transfer that was completed on Tuesday.

The Rotterdam outfit managed to register him in time for Tuesday's Champions League clash.

Besides Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Ahmedhodzic will be Feyenoord's only other centre-half in the matchday squad.

Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie has already said that there's a "big chance" Ahmedhodzic plays against Fenerbahce.

The third-round qualifier between Feyenoord and Fenerbahce kicks off on Wednesday, August 6th, at 21.

00 CET.

Pursue the clash between Feyenoord and Fenerbahce LIVE on Betopick.