Ghanaian midfielder Nikolas Nartey nears full return to VfB Stuttgart training

HAMBURG, GERMANY – JUNE 05: Nikolas Nartey of VfB Stuttgart reacts during the Bundesliga playoffs second leg match between Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart at Volksparkstadion on June 05, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)Danish-born midfielder Nikolas Nartey is on the verge of returning to full team training, as confirmed by VfB Stuttgart’s head coach, Sebastian Hoene.Speaking at a press conference ahead of Stuttgart’s upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund, Hoene provided an update on Nartey and his teammate Ameen.”I’ll mention Ameen and Niko for the last time today. They’re almost fully in the game, but of course, they’re still behind. Ameen has been out since January, and Niko has been out for a while too. That’s why they’re not an option for the weekend,” the coach explained.Nartey, who has been sidelined due to cartilage damage in his knee, is unlikely to feature in the squad soon. While he has resumed training with the team, he will need time to regain full fitness and close the gap in his physical conditioning. His gradual reintegration is a positive step for Stuttgart, but patience will be key as he works towards a full recovery.