NEC's Champions League return hinges on Nuytinck's ankle recovery

Defender Bram Nuytinck will miss weeks with an ankle injury, centre-back has been ruled out of action and his availability for the Champions League third qualifying round remains uncertain.

NEC’s first official European fixture of the 2026/2027 season is scheduled for Tuesday 4 or Wednesday 5 August in the Champions League third qualifying round. The return leg is set for Tuesday 11 August, leaving little margin for Nuytinck’s recovery.

describes the situation as a ‘race against the clock’ for Nuytinck and the club. The publication highlights the added pressure on head coach Schreuder, who is also without Perr Schuurs.

Nuytinck returned impressively from a previous anterior cruciate ligament injury last season. His form convinced NEC to extend his contract, but a fresh setback occurred when he twisted his ankle during training.

The Nijmegen club will now have to decide whether to gamble on Nuytinck’s fitness or explore alternative defensive options before the Champions League curtain-raiser.