Sports
Feyenoord’s Robin van Persie Welcomes Key Players Back Against FC Twente

Enschede, Netherlands — Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has received a boost ahead of Sunday’s match against FC Twente, as players Inbeom Hwang and Igor Paixão prepare to return after injury. This news comes at a crucial time for Feyenoord, as the team has been plagued by injuries in recent weeks and is still missing several key players.
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Despite the welcome additions to the squad, van Persie faces ongoing challenges due to the sidelining of several others. Notably, defender Dávid Hancko is serving a suspension which forces Gernot Trauner to step into the starting lineup. It was uncertain whether Paixão, Hwang, and Antoni Milambo would be fit enough for the match against Twente, but both Paixão and Hwang will start in today’s game.
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“It’s a complicated situation with so many players out, but having Hwang and Paixão back is a significant lift for us,” van Persie said in a press conference. “We need everyone at their best, especially in a competitive match like this one.”
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Feyenoord’s injury list remains considerable, with Quinten Timber and Ramiz Zerrouki also unavailable. The starting midfield comprises Hwang, Gijs Smal, and Jakub Moder, while Paixão will join Ayase Ueda and Anis Hadj Moussa in the attacking front. Timon Wellenreuther retains his position as goalkeeper, with defenders Givairo Read, Thomas Beelen, Trauner, and Hugo Bueno in front of him.
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The official lineup for Feyenoord is as follows: Wellenreuther; Read, Beelen, Trauner, Bueno; Smal, Moder, Hwang; Hadj Moussa, Ueda, Paixão.
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FC Twente is similarly dealing with personnel issues ahead of the match. The Tukkers will play without a designated striker. Sem Steijn, Michel Vlap, or Daan Rots are expected to fill that role under manager Joseph Oosting. Changes from the previous match against Almere City see Mathias Kjølø and Gijs Besselink take the place of Sam Lammers and Michal Sadilek. Ricky van Wolfswinkel remains absent due to injury.
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FC Twente’s starting eleven includes: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Hilgers, Lagerbielke, Kuipers; Kjølø, Besselink, Vlap; Rots, Steijn, Booth.
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As the teams arrive at the Grolsch Veste for the critical clash, Feyenoord is eager to secure points in their bid for a top position in the league standings. The match is set to begin at 14:30 local time.