Nikolas Nartey nears return to VfB Stuttgart first-team training

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Nikolas Nartey is making encouraging progress in his recovery from a muscle injury and could soon resume training with the first team.

The midfielder player has returned from his homeland and is now entering the next phase of his rehabilitation programme.

Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirmed that Stuttgart plan to reintroduce Nartey to team sessions shortly, but stressed that the club will remain cautious with his workload. “He will be brought back to the team relatively quickly,” Hoeneb said ahead of Friday’s Bundesliga match against FC Koln.

Despite the positive update, Nartey is unlikely to feature in Stuttgart’s final fixture before the international break, against Borussia Dortmund. Hoeneb made it clear that the club will not rush the midfielder simply to make him available for one match. “We will not take any risks for a supposed final game against Dortmund,” he added.

The 26-year-old made 28 appearances for Stuttgart last season and remains an important option in midfield when fully fit. His potential return would offer Hoeneb more depth as the team prepares for a demanding schedule in the Bundesliga and Europe.

“He is not far away anymore,” Hoeneb said, offering Stuttgart supporters a positive update on Nartey’s comeback.