Afellay not called up to match squad for FC Sibir

In close consultation with Ibrahim Afellay, PSV have decided that the midfielder will not be called up to the match squad to face FC Sibir on Thursday. “It was a very difficult decision”, said PSV´s technical director Marcel Brands on Tuesday afternoon, “but I think it's in everybody's best interest that Ibrahim doesn't play on Thursday.”

Summer transfer window
In close consultation with Ibrahim Afellay and technical manager Marcel Brands, head coach Fred Rutten has decided not to call up Ibrahim Afellay to the match squad to face FC Sibir on Thursday. As the summer transfer window does not close before the end of the month, PSV have kept all their options open. Brands: “We feel this is the best option, but I must admit it was a very difficult decision. Yet it was made in everybody's best interest.” PSV will play host to FC Sibir at the Philips Stadium on Thursday night at 19.30 in the Europa League play-off return leg. Fred Rutten’s team suffered a 1-0 defeat in last week’s first leg in Siberia. The winner will progress to the group stage of the Europa League. The draw will take place in Monaco on Friday afternoon.