Sunday, Anderlecht will face the Bruges club in the Belgian Cup final. And among the Mauves, we carefully observe the physical state of Jan Vertonghen. Mounted in the game against Antwerp, the experienced defender was able to retouch from the ball but a holder’s place seems too fair.
“Jan certainly can’t play 90 minutes,” said Anderlecht’s coach Besnik Hasi. “He worked a lot to come back and he really wanted to help the team. And that, I really appreciate him. But we have to see how his body reacts to yesterday’s effort and only then we will make a decision.”
Adryelson’s injury, which will almost certainly miss the final, has reduced the possibilities. Only Lucas Hey and Jan-Carlo Simic are still available as pure central defenders. “We only have two central defenders left,” said Hasi. “If necessary, we can place a dendoncker there, but lately, I prefer to see it in the middle of the field.”
-The return of Vertonghen, even if it is only for about fifteen minutes, can therefore become crucial for Anderlecht, especially in a match where experience and calm are worth gold. “It is very important for me, not only in the field, but also in the locker room,” said Hasi. “His simple presence brings peace.”
However, caution is in order. Vertonghen had relapsed after his last game to date against the Circle of Bruges. This injury put a brake on the preparations before the start of the play-offs. “We don’t yet know how long we can use it,” said Hasi. “We will have to examine what is achievable in the coming days.”
So there is a chance that Vertonghen begins on the bench like a secret asset on Sunday, ready to go into play if it is really necessary. Because with limited options in defense, Hasi must keep all possible options. “We need everyone,” he concludes.
