Mark van Bommel has puzzle work with Antwerp at Sclessin, but hopes for reinforcement: “There is something in the pipeline”

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The trip to Sclessin is the third consecutive trip for Royal Antwerp FC. They make this without the suspended Vincent Janssen and also without winter reinforcements. They are welcome at the national champion, especially in midfield. “There is something in the pipeline, but you remain dependent on the selling club,” said Mark van Bommel, who hopes to welcome a newcomer.

In Eupen, Mark van Bommel first counted on Smits in his midfield and then on Doumbia. How will he solve things during his visit to Standard? There is no newcomer – Antwerp inquired about Praet – yet. “I hope that we will strengthen ourselves over the next two days,” said Mark van Bommel. “Am I impatient? I always am,” he winked.

Talking

But will anything actually happen, that is the question. Is he hoping for it or is there really something in the pipeline? “Both. If something is in the pipeline, you are dependent on the selling or leasing club, on us and on the player. So a combination. There is something in the pipeline and we hope it will work out.” The name that resonates the loudest is that of Dennis Praet. The Red Devil would already have been spotted on the Bosuil, a fellow journalist suggested to Van Bommel. “Then you know more than I do,” the coach remained mysterious.

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Due to Janssen’s suspension – he received his fifth yellow card in Eupen – Ilenikhena is the only pure attacker on Wednesday. Can he carry the Antwerp attack after two poor matches? “He scored very easily and finished beautifully, for example against Barcelona. It’s actually a compliment that everyone expects him to just keep scoring goals. It is immediately noticeable if that is not the case. But we simply cannot demand that from him, he is still very young.”

Ondrejka

In any case, it will be a puzzle at Standard: Coulibaly, De Laet, Balikwisha, Valencia (all not fit) and Yusuf (Africa Cup) are unavailable. Bataille and Wijndal (both played for 45 minutes on Sunday) can kick off.

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Ondrejka is again a doubt: will he start or will he sub again? He is back after a long injury, came on inconspicuously against OHL and showed great things at Eupen. “That’s a difficult situation. When you don’t have a lot of players, you tend to bring guys back quickly. We have to ensure that the boys are able to deliver top performances, from the start of the match or as a substitute. And Jacob has not been training with the group for that long, but he is available. Jacob himself is very eager to play – everyone else, by the way.”

Doumbia

Last matchday, Van Bommel allowed Mahamadou Doumbia (19) to make his debut for the Antwerp main match. The Malian arrived in September 2023 and was given time to adapt. “We have been able to see how he is doing with the U23s and are now in a situation where we can make use of him. He is not a pure controller in midfield, but is slightly more offensive-minded. We are trying to show him the ropes, but we cannot expect him to lead the first team. The same applies to George (Ilenikhena, ed.),” van Bommel concluded.

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