Horror time for Gladbach darling Plea in Eindhoven

Alassane Plea, the record signing of Borussia Mönchengladbach for €23 million, has experienced since his move to PSV Eindhoven a series of serious knee injuries that abruptly ended his 2025/26 season and have kept him out of action again since mid‑August.

The Frenchman spent seven years in the Lower Rhine, made 236 appearances, scored 68 goals and provided 54 assists – figures that made him an absolute performer and fan favourite. His departure last year was emotional, as he chose to move to PSV Eindhoven.

The Horror‑Start in the Netherlands

In his second league match for PSV, Plea suffered a serious knee injury, with the cartilage also affected. This injury ended his 2025/26 season early and represented the absolute worst‑case scenario.

A Brief Ray of Hope

On the opening matchday of the Eredivisie 2026/27, Plea came on in the 68th minute and six minutes later scored the 2‑1 go‑ahead goal, so the game eventually ended 2‑2 – a brave appearance after a long layoff.

Further Setbacks and Unclear Future

Just a few days later Plea was injured again in training. PSV coach Peter Bosz commented: “He was lying there on the ground. It’s terrible when you consider what he has been through this year. That’s how he felt as well.” Bosz added that the training was stopped immediately.

Although the knee that was heavily injured last year was not affected this time, Plea has been missing again for over a month. A possible return date after the international break remains uncertain, and at 33 years old his form is viewed skeptically after the ongoing injury misfortune.