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

Armel Bella-Kotchap was a mainstay after leaving VfL Bochum for Southampton FC last year. However, the 21-year-old was unable to prevent the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.

Another change of scenery followed this summer. Armel Bella-Kotchap only joined PSV Eindhoven on loan two months ago on the last day of the transfer window. The two-time international has now suffered a setback in the Netherlands.

Bella-Kotchap has so far made three appearances in the league and two in the Champions League for the Eredivisie leaders, including three starting eleven nominations. He earned praise on his debut for the Dutch side.

Bella-Kotchap reports from hospital

However, it is unlikely that he will play any more games this calendar year, as the central defender suffered a shoulder injury and had to go under the knife. The club announced that the operation was successful. Bella-Kotchap posted a social media message from the hospital in which he wrote: “Tough times are what winners are made of.”

The injury means Bella-Kotchap will not get the chance to prove himself to Julian Nagelsmann for the national team for the time being. He played his last game in November 2022 in the 1-0 win against Oman. The defender also featured at the World Cup, but did not make an appearance. Bella-Kotchap was then no longer allowed to play for the DFB team.

Eindhoven without losing a point

PSV Eindhoven are fully on course for the title in the Netherlands 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. Behind them, however, lurks Alkmaar, who are also still unbeaten and are only five points behind with one game less to play.