European hopes fade as FC Twente miss three men for Qarabag clash

In the cold of the Enschede training ground, FC Twente brace for a bleak Europese return as three first‑team regulars are ruled out of the Conference League second leg against Qarabag. The club will travel with only 23 players, a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.

Injury setbacks

Official channels confirmed that Sam Lammers, Kristian Hlynsson and Stav Lemkin will miss the match through injury. Lemkin’s absence had already been announced, while Lammers and Hlynsson were added to the list just days before the fixture.

Lammers, the 29‑year‑old striker, has been demoted to third choice and has made four substitute appearances this season. His contract runs until mid‑2027, and rumours link him with a possible move to PSV, who are reportedly assessing a transfer.

First‑leg loss and challenge

FC Twente entered the return leg trailing after a 0‑1 defeat to the Azerbeidzjanen side in the first encounter. Kady Borges scored the solitary goal for Qarabag, leaving Van den Brom’s formation with a deficit to overturn.

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The Dutch coach must now devise a plan to reverse the one‑goal shortfall, knowing that the away crowd in Azerbaijan will be eager for a repeat.

Squad details and upcoming clash

De Tukkers will travel with a 23‑man squad that includes Unnerstall, Drommel, Pasveer, Pröpper, Kjølø, Zerrouki, Pjaca, Weghorst, Rots, Peixoto, Thorvaldsen, Taha, Van den Belt, Kurowski, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Nagel, Ørjasæter, Van Rooij, Adelgaard, Bruns, Weidmann, Nijstad and Meilink.

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The return match is scheduled for Thursday 27 August at 18:00 Dutch time. With three key players unavailable, the De Tukkers will rely on depth and tactical adjustments to secure a ticket to the Conference League group stage.