Great news for Besiktas fans! The wait is over and the midfield powerhouse is back. Wilfred Ndidi has officially been named in the Besiktas squad for their rescheduled Super Lig opener against Kayserispor, marking his eagerly anticipated return from injury.
The Nigerian international had been sidelined after picking up a knock during international duty, substituted in the 70th minute of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier away to South Africa. His absence was keenly felt, as he missed crucial back-to-back league games against Basaksehir and Goztepe, sparking fears of a more prolonged lay-off.
However, those concerns were happily put to rest when Besiktas confirmed at the weekend that the summer signing was back in training. The club reported the 28-year-old had rejoined full sessions just a day after the 3-0 defeat away to Goztepe, demonstrating a swift and positive recovery.
Ndidi’s importance to the Black Eagles cannot be overstated. Since his summer arrival from Leicester City, he has quickly cemented his place as a key figure in the midfield engine room. He’s already featured in four matches, showcasing his defensive prowess and distribution in his league debut during the 2-1 win over Eyüpspor, both legs of the Europa Conference League qualifiers against Lausanne Sport, and the pre-international break defeat to Alanyaspor.
Now, head coach Sergen Yalçın, who returned to the club in August following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has wasted no time including Ndidi in the travelling party for Wednesday’s trip to Kayseri. The official squad announcement listed Ndidi among other senior stalwarts like Gabriel Paulista, Rafa Silva, and top striker Tammy Abraham, signalling his immediate readiness to contribute.
Adding an exciting layer to the squad, Yalçın has also handed first-time call-ups to promising youngsters Tuna Baran Demir, Asım Efe Işık, and Devrim Şahin, offering them a taste of first-team duty. “Tuna Baran Demir, Asım Efe Işık and Devrim Şahin were included in the squad for the first time,” the coach confirmed in the official announcement.
Besiktas will undoubtedly be looking to Ndidi’s availability to strengthen their midfield options as they strive to climb the Super Lig table. Currently 11th with six points from four matches, the Black and Whites hold two games in hand but trail leaders Galatasaray by a significant 12 points.
This rescheduled fixture against Kayserispor is more than just a league opener; it’s another significant test for Sergen Yalçın, a man deeply entwined with Besiktas’s history, being the only individual to have won the Super Lig with the club both as a player and as a manager.
With Ndidi back marshalling the midfield and a blend of experienced stars and eager youth, Besiktas will be hoping to kickstart their league campaign properly and begin their ascent. The stage is set for a thrilling return!
