Ndidi suffers ankle ligament injury to rule him out of Besiktas’ Europa League tie with Midtjylland

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has been sidelined with an ankle ligament injury and will miss Besiktas’s UEFA Europa League qualifier against FC Midtjylland on Thursday.

The Nigeria international sustained the injury to his right ankle in the build-up to the third qualifying round first-leg tie in Istanbul, the Turkish club confirmed after medical tests.

Besiktas say scans revealed ligament damage, ruling the midfielder out of the opening match of the tie and leaving his availability for the return leg in serious doubt.

Key midfielder blow for Besiktas

Ndidi, signed this summer to anchor the Besiktas midfield, has quickly become central to the team’s structure, particularly in defensive transitions and physical battles in the middle of the pitch.

His enforced absence is expected to disrupt Besiktas’s rhythm in the short term, with the club now facing a crucial European fixture without one of its most experienced players.

The 27-year-old’s ability to break up opposition attacks, protect the back line and cover large areas of the pitch has been a core component of the team’s tactical set-up under the current coaching staff.

Doubt for second leg as well

While Besiktas have not specified a precise recovery timeline, internal assessments suggest Ndidi is almost certain to miss the first leg against Midtjylland and is highly unlikely to recover in time for the second leg.

The Europa League third qualifying round represents a key step in Besiktas’s bid to reach the group stage, heightening concern over the loss of such a high-profile figure at this stage of the campaign.

Medical staff are understood to be prioritising a “safe and gradual” rehabilitation process, with the club keen to avoid any setback that could extend his spell on the sidelines.

Tactical reshuffle on the cards

Ndidi’s injury is expected to force a tactical rethink, with Besiktas needing to adjust both personnel and approach in midfield.

Coaches are now weighing alternative options to maintain balance between defensive solidity and ball progression, while managing the increased workload on other midfielders.

Without Ndidi’s presence in duels and his sweeping coverage in front of the defence, Besiktas may have to compensate either by adopting a more conservative shape or by redeploying players into less familiar roles.

Squad rotation and depth will likely come into sharper focus as the club seeks to maintain control in midfield across both legs of the tie, while ensuring the Nigerian’s recovery is not rushed.

Focus turns to long-term stability

Beyond the immediate challenge of facing Midtjylland, Besiktas will be mindful of the wider impact of losing a player whose experience includes Premier League and international football.

The club’s handling of Ndidi’s rehabilitation is expected to be cautious, aiming to restore him to full fitness for the longer-term demands of the season rather than risking a premature return for the second leg.

With European progression and domestic objectives both at stake, Besiktas now face the dual task of coping without a key midfielder in the short term and ensuring that, when Ndidi does return, he is ready to resume his pivotal role at the heart of their midfield.