Former Bochum player Armel Bella-Kotchap has suffered a setback at his new club PSV Eindhoven. He will be out of action for the time being due to a shoulder injury.

Armel Bella-Kotchap was largely part of the starting lineup after leaving VfL Bochum for Southampton last year. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old was unable to prevent the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.

This summer, he changed teams again. Two months ago, on the last day of the transfer window, Armel Bella-Kotchap joined PSV Eindhoven on loan. In the Netherlands, the two-time international now has to accept a setback.

The Eredivisie leaders’ captain, Bella-Kotchap has so far made three league appearances and two Champions League appearances, including three starts. He earned praise on his debut for the Dutch club.

Bella-Kotchap reports from the hospital

However, no more games are expected to be added this calendar year because the center back has suffered a shoulder injury and had to undergo surgery. As the club announced, the operation was successful. Bella-Kotchap himself reported from the hospital with a social media post in which he wrote: “Tough times are what winners are made of.”

Due to the injury, Bella-Kotchap will not get the chance to prove himself to Julian Nagelsmann for the national team for the time being. He last played in November 2022 in the 1-0 win against Oman. The defender was also part of the World Cup squad, but did not play. After that, Bella-Kotchap was no longer allowed to play for the DFB squad.

Eindhoven without losing a point

PSV Eindhoven are on course for the Dutch title early in the season. With former Dortmund player Peter Bosz on the sidelines, the team is top of the table after ten matchdays without losing a point and with a goal difference of +30. However, Alkmaar, who are also still unbeaten and only five points behind with one game less played, are lurking behind them.