Anderlecht's injury blow threatens Nathan De Cat ahead of Hammarby tie

Nathan De Cat, the 17‑year‑old forward of Sporting d'Anderlecht, will miss three weeks after a muscle injury diagnosed on Sunday, meaning his participation in the Europa League second‑leg against Hammarby depends on his contract status with the club and his recovery timeline. Under Vitor Bruno, Anderlecht’s pre‑season training hit a rough start, with three players sidelined early. Defenders Ilay Camara and Lucas Hey each suffered fractures, required surgery, and will miss the Europa League second leg against Hammarby, whose first leg is set for 23 July. Nathan De Cat left the Sunday session after a muscle problem was identified. The 17‑year‑old will be out for three weeks, but the club expects he can still feature in the second leg if his contract with Anderlecht remains in place.

Why Anderlecht’s Nathan De Cat picks Hoffenheim over Bayern and Dortmund

The youngster, who is not in Rudi Garcia’s Belgium squad for the 2026 World Cup, is linked with a move abroad; Hoffenheim have reportedly submitted a first offer and claim a verbal agreement, while PSV Eindhoven is also pursuing him. De Cat is in the final year of his contract, does not plan to extend, and Anderlecht is asking for up to €30 million. Last season De Cat amassed 46 official appearances for Anderlecht, totaling roughly 3,500 minutes, a remarkable workload for a player of his age. The club finished fourth in the Champions Play‑Offs and were beaten in the Belgian Cup final by Union Saint‑Gilloise. Coaches suggest the new muscle issue may stem from the heavy load of the previous campaign. Vitor Bruno has introduced mandatory shin‑guard use in training, a piece of equipment De Cat had not previously worn. If his recovery proceeds as expected, De Cat could be ready for the Europa League second leg against Hammarby. Nonetheless, his injury and contract situation keep his future at Anderlecht uncertain.