Nikolas Nartey set to miss Stuttgart's DFB Pokal game against KSV Holstein

2026-02-04 - 00:07

VfB Stuttgart will have to cope without midfielder Nikolas Nartey in their upcoming DFB Pokal tie away to KSV Holstein on Wednesday evening. The 25-year-old Danish-Ghanaian midfielder is unavailable after picking up physical problems in the recent Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg, which Stuttgart won 1–0. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirmed his absence at Tuesday’s press conference and explained the situation in more detail. According to Hoeneß, Nartey reported complaints following the Freiburg game and was substituted as a precaution. “Nartey was substituted due to a slight injury, so unfortunately he will miss tomorrow's cup match,” explained Hoeneß. The midfielder left the pitch in the 60th minute, and the medical team has since advised caution rather than risking a setback so early in the second half of the season. It remains open whether Nartey will also miss the weekend’s Bundesliga fixture. Stuttgart travel to FC St. Pauli on Saturday afternoon, and a final decision on his involvement is expected closer to matchday. For now, the focus will be on finding a suitable replacement in central midfield while ensuring Nartey recovers fully before returning to competitive action. Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.