Pepi Out Against Twente

Striker Being Eased Back in at the Start of the Eredivisie Season

Ricardo Pepi finds himself at a crucial juncture in his promising career with PSV Eindhoven. The 22-year-old American striker enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, netting an impressive 17 goals across all competitions despite primarily coming off the bench. His hot streak in January positioned him among the world's most prolific forwards before a devastating knee injury ended his season prematurely.

Now wearing PSV's coveted No. 9 jersey following Luuk De Jong's departure to FC Porto, Pepi is poised for a starring role as the Dutch champions pursue another title. However, his return from that season-ending knee surgery has been carefully managed by manager Peter Bosz, who emphasized the need for patience with the recovery process.

Recent setbacks have complicated Pepi's comeback trail. After making a brief appearance in PSV's Johan Cruyff Shield victory, fluid buildup in his surgically repaired knee has sidelined him from crucial early-season matches, including the Eredivisie opener against Sparta Rotterdam and the clash with FC Twente. "We have to be careful with him," Bosz explained, noting that while Pepi experiences no pain or movement restrictions, the lingering fluid requires drainage before full clearance.