Schendelaar’s injury forces PEC Zwolle to give goalkeeper his debut in the Eredivisie | OneFootball

As per Voetbal International’s Rob Aarts, PEC Zwolle will start the season with an Eredivisie debutant in goal.

De Blauwvingers will be without Jasper Schendelaar for the start of the season. The 24-year-old keeper is sidelined with a knee injury, and PEC cannot comment on the severity of Schendelaar’s issues. It is clear, though, that the stopper will miss the Eredivisie season opener and it’s unclear when he will be able to return to action.

Schendelaar’s injury seems to give Tom de Graaff a chance in first season at the highest level. The 20-year-old goalkeeper joined on loan from FC Utrecht (with an option to buy) and was immediately in goal for Saturday’s away friendly against Portsmouth. Although they were defeated 1-0, De Graaf put in a credible performance.

Although De Graaf doesn’t yet have any Eredivisie experience, he has played 62 matches for Jong Ajax and Jong FC Utrecht in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. The same applies to Duke Verduin (21), who will temporarily serve as De Graaff’s understudy. PEC open the new season on Sunday with a home match against FC Twente.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield