Nikolas Nartey set for Stuttgart return ahead of Atletico clash

Nikolas Nartey is closing in on a return to the VfB Stuttgart matchday squad after recovering from a thigh injury and resuming full training with his teammates.

The 26-year-old midfielder has made encouraging progress in recent days, raising hopes that he could feature in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid.

Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirmed the positive development during his pre-match press conference, indicating that Nartey is expected to be included in the squad after consulting the club’s medical department.

“Niko is back in training,” Hoeneß said. He added that the midfielder would “find his way into the squad” following discussions with the medical team.

Nartey’s return represents an important step after an injury-disrupted spell that limited his involvement in recent weeks. The Danish midfielder had previously been restricted to partial team training and missed Stuttgart’s Bundesliga fixtures against SC Paderborn and Hamburger SV.

His recovery provides Hoeneß with another midfield option as Stuttgart prepare for a demanding European fixture. However, after spending time on the sidelines, Nartey may initially have to settle for a place among the substitutes while he regains match fitness.

Stuttgart will host Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, October 20, in the third round of the Champions League league phase. The German side will be hoping to build on their European form, having beaten Slovan Bratislava 3-0 in their previous continental fixture.

Nartey’s inclusion would be a welcome boost for Stuttgart, although his precise role will depend on his fitness and the coaching staff’s assessment ahead of kick-off.