Meijer was set to make his competitive debut for the Italian club, but a spierverrekting (muscle strain) has ruled him out of the match. This is not the first time Meijer has been plagued by injuries, having previously suffered a knee injury that kept him out for an extended period. The former Club Brugge player had hoped to establish himself as a regular at Sampdoria, but this setback will delay his competitive debut.
Meijer's absence will be felt at left-back, but Sampdoria has a potential replacement in Yari Verschaeren, who has been included in the matchday squad for the first time. The 23-year-old Belgian midfielder joins Sampdoria after a stint at Anderlecht and will wear the number 16 jersey.
Sampdoria will look to Verschaeren to fill the void left by Meijer's injury, but the outcome of the match against Cesena remains uncertain.