AZ Alkmaar have Jordy Clasie and Jizz Hornkamp available again for the Eredivisie match away to Fortuna Sittard. Manager Leeroy Echteld confirmed the news on Friday.
Clasie picked up an injury just before the season started. Despite missing their 35-year-old captain, AZ made a perfect start to the new campaign. They won the Johan Cruijff Shield against PSV 0-4 and also secured league victories over ADO Den Haag (2-0) and FC Utrecht (1-4). Clasie's return is therefore well-timed.
Jordy Clasie has been declared fully fit but will not start against Fortuna, according to Echteld. "He is available, but he will not be in the starting lineup," the coach said. Clasie is likely to take a place on the bench. Jizz Hornkamp makes his comeback after a serious ankle injury sustained in mid-March. The 28-year-old striker is back in full training, but Echteld stressed caution is needed. "He first needs to accumulate more minutes, but he is already training very well. Right now, he is really in a recovery phase."
The absence of loaned-out Troy Parrott means other players will get more opportunities. Dave Kwakman, who gained experience on loan at FC Volendam last season, has played every minute of every official match so far. Echteld is pleased with his development. "I've known Dave for a while and against FC Utrecht I thought he was quite good."
With Clasie on the bench, Kwakman looks set to start again in midfield. The AZ squad is currently at full strength aside from long-term absentees. Hornkamp's return offers additional options up front, where Myron van Brederode and Ernest Poku have featured in recent matches. The current state of the squad can be followed on our squad page.
AZ are second in the Eredivisie after three matchdays, with seven points from three games. They have scored nine goals and conceded three. Key fixtures are coming up, starting with Fortuna Sittard. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
Fortuna Sittard have also made a strong start to the season. Under manager Danny Buijs, they took a point at champions PSV (2-2) and beat newly-promoted SC Cambuur 3-1 last week. The Limburg-based team therefore poses a serious challenge for AZ. The match kicks off at 16:30 on Saturday at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion.
For AZ, it is important to continue the winning run and keep the pressure on leaders PSV. The return of two experienced players like Clasie and Hornkamp gives Echteld more tactical options and depth, which could prove useful in a busy period. The coming matches will show if AZ can mount a serious title challenge this season.
