Smit back at AZ, Echteld responds to Oufkir's choice for Morocco

Smit returns to AZ's squad for Thursday's Europa League match against Juventus after recovering from injury, though he cannot start.

AZ manager Leeroy Echteld confirmed that midfielder Kees Smit has recovered from the injury he sustained with Jong Oranje a month ago and is available for selection in Thursday's Europa League fixture against Juventus. However, Echteld stated that the 20-year-old will not be able to start the match.

Echteld expressed relief at Smit's return, noting that AZ has struggled in the Eredivisie recently, managing only one point from their last four league games. "It is clear that we miss Kees," the manager said. "He is a big player for us, someone who is important in the final phase of our attacks, where we create chances and score goals."

During the pre-match press conference, Echteld also addressed the situation of winger Ayoub Oufkir, who has been called up to Morocco's national team for matches against Niger this month. Oufkir had previously started three consecutive matches for Jong Oranje. Echteld, who was an assistant coach with Jong Oranje until earlier this year, said he spoke with Oufkir about the decision. "Initially you try to push someone towards Oranje, but ultimately it is his own choice and I told him to follow his feeling," Echteld explained. The manager acknowledged it is disappointing to lose talented players to other nations but emphasized that the decision rests with the players themselves.