NEC's Nuytinck must undergo surgery: 'It can't go on like this'

NEC centre-back Nuytinck will undergo surgery on a chronic ankle injury after playing through pain during the Champions League qualifiers.

NEC defender Bram Nuytinck has announced he requires surgery on a subluxation (partial dislocation) of his ankle sustained in pre-season. He initially chose conservative treatment with six to seven weeks of rehabilitation to avoid missing the Champions League qualifying rounds, which he successfully played in. However, after months of managing pain on the pitch and heavy painkiller use, surgery is now unavoidable. The operation is scheduled for next week.