Liam Duckstein
PSV Striker Ricardo Pepi Sidelined After Excelsior Clash
PSV Eindhoven will be without Ricardo Pepi for the next two months after the United States international suffered a left underarm fracture during Saturday’s 5-1 Eredivisie victory over Excelsior on February 15, 2025.
The 23-year-old forward collapsed in the 23rd minute after scoring PSV’s second goal—his eighth in the league this season. Pepi clutched his arm in visible distress before being substituted for Couhaib Driouech. Club medical staff confirmed the injury required surgery, scheduled for February 16.
“A boy who is so positive and has worked so hard. That things are going against him right now. I feel for him.”
—PSV manager Peter Bosz
Striker Crisis Deepens for PSV
Pepi’s absence compounds PSV’s attacking woes. Myron Boadu and Alassane Pléa remain sidelined, leaving Bosz with limited options up front. Earlier this season, midfielders Guus Til and Ismael Saibari filled in—though the latter is now representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations after their 2-0 semifinal win over Cameroon on February 14.
Pepi’s injury marks his second major setback in 12 months. A knee injury in January 2025 ruled him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign. Since returning this season, he has delivered eight Eredivisie goals in 15 appearances and three in five UEFA Champions League matches.
Transfer Window Speculation
PSV rejected a €25 million bid from Fulham for Pepi earlier this month. With the striker now injured, questions arise over whether the club will seek reinforcements. General manager Marcel Brands hinted at preparedness but acknowledged constraints:
“The lists are ready, we have to see if anything is possible. But even if we did sign someone, they wouldn’t be allowed to play in the Champions League. That’s very disappointing.”
—Marcel Brands, speaking to ESPN’s Goedemorgen Eredivisie
Bosz remained non-committal post-match, stating he would discuss options with the club’s leadership in the coming days. PSV currently lead the Eredivisie by 14 points but face a congested schedule without their primary striker.
Follow TipsGG for updates on Pepi’s recovery and PSV’s transfer plans.