Midfielder Hofs has since undergone complicated knee surgery that makes him a certaintly to miss both legs of tie with Liverpool, and possibly the rest of the domestic campaign too. The injury, said to be ripped tendons, has an eight month recuperation period.
Coach Mike Snoei has other problems too, with key defender Ruud Knol ruled out of this week's match after experiencing complications while returning from a knee injury. He is now out for two weeks longer than expected.