Oussama Targhalline: Feyenoord dealt huge blow with ankle injury

Morocco midfielder Oussama Targhalline is set for a lengthy lay-off after picking up an injury during Feyenoord’s 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday.

The 23-year-old suffered a serious ankle injury during their league match against a ten-man Go Ahead Eagles at de Kuip, a result that kept them in second on 45 points, 14-points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven after 23 matches.

The 2025 AFCON silver medalist was forced to leave the pitch after just 18 minutes of play following a heavy tackle from an opposing player.

Oussama Targhalline played four AFCON matches

According to initial reports, the injury is considered “serious” and “worrying” as Feyenoord’s coaching staff, led by Robin van Persie, fears a prolonged absence.

The club has not yet released the results of the medical examinations, leaving the exact duration of his absence uncertain.

In a press conference, Van Persie did not hide his concern, describing the injury as worrying and likely to keep the player out of the upcoming matches, without providing a specific time frame for his return.

This is Targhalline’s second injury this season while playing for Feyenoord. He had already been sidelined after a concussion, notably missing the 11th and 12th rounds against Volendam and the Eagles.

This new, more serious injury could keep him out for an even longer period reportedly between two to three months long.

Targhalline played four matches for Morocco as they lost 1-0 to Senegal in the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in January.

He has played 16 matches, scoring two goals and two assists for Feyenoord this campaign. The former Alanyaspor, Olympique Marseille and Le Havre midfielder is capped by Morocco at all youth levels with 11 senior caps under his belt.

Morocco international Oussama Targhalline is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious ankle injury during Feyenoord’s 1-0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday.

The 23-year-old midfielder was forced off just 18 minutes into the match at De Kuip following a heavy challenge from an opposing player. The early setback cast a shadow over what was otherwise a positive afternoon for Feyenoord, who secured all three points to maintain second place in the league standings.

Injury Blow for Oussama Targhalline

The injury to Oussama Targhalline has been described as both “serious” and “worrying” by members of the Feyenoord coaching staff. Although the club has yet to officially release the results of detailed medical examinations, early indications suggest that the Moroccan midfielder could be sidelined for between two and three months.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie did not downplay the situation. The former Dutch international expressed concern over the severity of the injury, admitting that Targhalline is likely to miss several upcoming fixtures. However, he stopped short of providing a definitive timeline for the player’s return.

If confirmed, a two-to-three-month absence would represent a significant setback for both the player and the club, especially as Feyenoord continue their push in the Eredivisie and other competitions.

Feyenoord’s League Situation

Feyenoord’s narrow win over Go Ahead Eagles keeps them second in the Dutch Eredivisie table with 45 points from 23 matches. However, they remain 14 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven, making their title challenge increasingly difficult.

With a demanding schedule ahead, losing a key midfielder like Oussama Targhalline could impact squad depth and tactical flexibility. The Moroccan international has featured regularly this season and has become an important component of Feyenoord’s midfield structure.