Besiktas have been dealt a major blow ahead of their UEFA Europa League qualifier against FC Midtjylland, after confirming that Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has suffered a ligament injury in his ankle.
An MRI scan conducted at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital revealed the extent of the problem, with the Turkish club confirming that treatment has already begun under the supervision of their medical team. As a result, the 29-year-old will be unavailable for Thursday’s second qualifying round first leg against the Danish side in Istanbul.
The setback comes at a particularly difficult moment for Besiktas, who open their 2026-27 campaign under new head coach Vincenzo Italiano this week. Having exited European qualification early last season and finished a distant fourth in the Turkish Super Lig, the club will be eager to avoid another underwhelming start to their continental campaign. Ndidi, meanwhile, had been expected to anchor the midfield alongside captain Orkun Kokcu against a Midtjylland side that progressed impressively through qualifying last term.
Notably, Ndidi had spoken confidently about the tie only days earlier, insisting that Besiktas would give their best in the opening leg despite continued speculation over his future at the club. His absence now leaves a considerable gap in a midfield already without suspended defender Felix Uduokhai.
The injury adds to a frustrating run of fitness concerns for Ndidi since his move to Turkey from Leicester City last summer, having already missed time through hamstring and thigh problems over the course of the season.
His continued injury troubles will be a concern heading into Nigeria’s next round of international fixtures, given his importance as captain and defensive midfield anchor for Eric Chelle’s side.
With the second leg away in Denmark scheduled for July 30, Besiktas will be hoping Ndidi’s recovery is swift enough to feature at some stage of the tie, though no return timeline has yet been given. In his absence, Italiano is expected to turn to Salih Ozcan or Amir Hadziahmetovic to fill the void in central midfield as the Black Eagles look to avoid a repeat of last season’s early European exit.
