Nikolas Nartey takes step toward Stuttgart return

Nikolas Nartey has made encouraging progress in his recovery from a thigh injury after returning to partial training with VfB Stuttgart.

The 26-year-old midfielder suffered a setback while on international duty with Denmark, forcing him to return to Stuttgart early. He was left out of Denmark’s Nations League victory over Wales after experiencing muscular problems.

Nartey has now resumed portions of team training, with Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirming the development ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga trip to SC Paderborn.

“Niko Nartey has also already begun partial team training,” Hoeneß said.

Despite the positive step, Nartey will not be available for the meeting with Paderborn. Stuttgart confirmed that Nartey, along with Dan-Axel Zagadou and Tiago Tomás, remains in partial training and is not yet ready to return to competitive action.

The latest setback came shortly after Nartey had returned from an earlier thigh injury. He made his first Bundesliga appearance of the 2026/27 campaign against Borussia Dortmund in September, before featuring in two subsequent friendly matches during the international break.

Nartey’s gradual return offers Stuttgart some encouragement, although the club will be keen to avoid rushing him back as he works towards full fitness.