Levi Smans ready for PSV test after year-long injury recovery

Levi Smans says he is fully fit and ready for Heerenveen’s trip to PSV after completing a rehabilitation lasting more than a year. The 23-year-old suffered a torn cruciate ligament against FC Volendam in the opening round of last season after making an awkward movement.

Smans told VI that he immediately heard and felt that something was seriously wrong, with the club doctor also suspecting cruciate ligament damage. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, he temporarily returned to his parents in Limburg and repeatedly reviewed footage of the incident while searching for an explanation. He ultimately accepted that the injury had simply been bad luck rather than the result of anything he had done.

The midfielder is now fully recovered and has started Heerenveen’s final two matches before the international break. Across five appearances since his return, he has already recorded three assists, providing encouraging evidence that he can quickly regain his influence within the side.

Smans is now looking forward to Friday evening’s away match against PSV. He noted that he scored in Eindhoven two years ago and would like to repeat that achievement. Discussing the speed of his comeback, he told VI: “I’m completely ready.” Smans added that he sees no reason to wait once the knee is healthy and a player has done everything required to return.