Just as using the textbox role in the absence of a <input> element makes a <div> element with contenteditable an input for ATs, the same applies to the combobox role in the last spec version:
Encoded on a <div> or <span> element with contenteditable, this role also signals to ATs that it is an input with additional values offered for selection.
Since the HTML placeholder attribute is not available in this case, the aria-placeholder should be available on elements with the combobox role.