According to trainer Dick Schreuder via club media, NEC Nijmegen midfielder Darko Nejasmic is a major doubt for Saturday’s Eredivisie clash against PEC Zwolle after sustaining a visible head laceration and other physical complaints during a midweek European fixture against Bodø/Glimt. The 27-year-old Croatian player, whose market value is estimated at four million euros by Transfermarkt, left the field at halftime in Norway and was replaced by Bram Nuytinck, leaving his team scrambling for squad depth ahead of the 21:00 match.
Darko Nejasmic Injury Status Threatens NEC Lineup Against PEC Zwolle
NEC Nijmegen faces a rapid turnaround following a midweek European fixture against Bodø/Glimt, with a Saturday league match against PEC Zwolle looming on the schedule. According to trainer Dick Schreuder speaking to club media, midfielder Darko Nejasmic entered the Norway match carrying minor physical complaints and subsequently suffered a heavy blow to his head. The resulting laceration was clearly visible to observers, and Schreuder told regional outlet De Gelderlander that the probability of the player missing the upcoming fixture is higher than him being available.
“Darko is a major doubt. We are going to look at that today,” Schreuder stated to club media, adding that the coaching staff will evaluate his recovery status leading up to kickoff.
The potential absence of Nejasmic creates a significant tactical puzzle for Schreuder. The 27-year-old midfielder has drawn substantial attention in recent weeks due to his strong performances for NEC, attracting interest from top clubs including Ajax, according to reporting by Voetbalprimeur. Nejasmic currently holds a contract in Nijmegen running for another year until mid-2027.
Squad Adjustments and Tactical Outlook for Schreuder
Beyond the uncertainty surrounding Nejasmic, NEC must manage other roster developments following their midweek outing. According to De Gelderlander, Emre Mor missed the trip to Norway due to illness but has since returned to the squad. Against Willem II, Adam Tahaui received the nod ahead of Mor because Schreuder wanted to keep the Turkish-Norwegian winger fresh for the Bodø/Glimt fixture. However, because Mor likely cannot yet complete a full ninety minutes, Schreuder may opt to start Tahaui on the right flank once again.
Up front, Kaj Sierhuis could receive another opportunity over Linssen, despite a difficult start in Norway. Sierhuis endured a heavy setback during his basis debut against Bodø/Glimt, where an early red card shown to goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz forced the tactical substitution of Sierhuis after just five minutes. Schreuder managed to substitute several of his key players early against the Norwegian side, meaning the rest of the starting eleven is expected to remain largely unchanged.
Pro Tip: Analyzing Eredivisie Squad Rotation
When clubs manage a congested schedule involving both European commitments and domestic league matches like Eredivisie play, monitoring early substitutions and pre-match press conferences from managers provides critical insight into starting lineups. Trainers frequently protect core players during European blowouts to ensure physical readiness for weekend league points.
Probable Lineups and Match Context
NEC enters the Saturday evening fixture looking to rebound from a bruising European exit. According to Voetbalprimeur, the club saw its Champions League-style aspirations vanish in Norway following a rapid red card for goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz, leaving the squad largely overmatched. PEC Zwolle now provides an immediate opportunity for recovery.
Probable NEC Starting XI (according to De Gelderlander): Crettaz; Pereira, Storm, Fonville; Tahaui, Monteiro, Lebreton, Bischoff; Chery, Sierhuis, Tadic.
Did You Know?
Darko Nejasmic’s market valuation is estimated at four million euros by Transfermarkt, reflecting his rising stock and reported interest from Dutch giants such as Ajax during his current contract term running through mid-2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darko Nejasmic playing against PEC Zwolle?
His appearance is highly doubtful. According to trainer Dick Schreuder, the midfielder sustained a head laceration and physical complaints against Bodø/Glimt, making it more likely than not that he will miss the match.
What caused NEC’s heavy defeat against Bodø/Glimt?
According to Voetbalprimeur, the match shifted dramatically when goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz received a rapid red card early in the contest, leaving the Nijmegen side playing with ten men.
When is the NEC versus PEC Zwolle match scheduled?
The Eredivisie fixture is scheduled for Saturday evening at 21:00, according to match reports.
How long does Darko Nejasmic’s contract with NEC run?
Nejasmic has a contract with NEC that runs for another year until mid-2027, with a market valuation estimated at four million euros.
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