INJURIES Ahead of the important derby between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht, coach Besnik Hasi explained his team's ongoing injury problems during a press conference. Since the beginning of the season, the club has been struggling with a full sickbay, a topic that comes up every week. However, there is good news for Yari Verschaeren and Kasper Dolberg, who are part of the selection for the game in Forest. Hasi indicated that Verschaeren trained fully this week.
"He has given a lot, but we also don't want to bring him too soon. We are preparing him for the cup final," Hasi said.
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Continue reading On the other hand, Jan Vertonghen, Moussa N'Diaye and Mario Stroeykens are still missing from the selection. Mats Rits is also unavailable for the derby, but there is hope that he can rejoin group training next week.
Hasi also noted that many absentees severely limit his options and choices. “With e.g. a Vertonghen or N'Diaye added, we would have more options to respond to the situation,” he said.
The opponent, however, will be solidly ahead. Union is actually still in contention for the title, although it is more of a shadow candidate. Hasi sees no bones about the negative statistics of the duels between them, however. “We have to stay true to our playing principles and make optimal use of the spaces on the pitch, with an emphasis on short combinations and quick transitions,” he said.
It is also becoming clear by now that Hasi's mission is to achieve European soccer: “If that would not succeed, my mission has failed,” he echoed.
