Anderlecht battles injuries as it targets former Chelsea midfielder

Anderlecht’s pre‑season preparations were hit by a spate of injuries. Seventeen‑year‑old midfielder Nathan De Cat suffered a muscle strain that will keep him out for about a week, while Ilay Camara and Lucas Hey each sustained fractures that required medical procedures. The injury list prompted the club to cancel its scheduled friendly against Sporting Hasselt, complicating head coach Vitor Bruno’s attempt to implement his new tactical concepts.

Amid the setbacks, transfer director Antoine Sibierski has intensified the search for reinforcements. Anderlecht is reportedly interested in 24‑year‑old French midfielder Pierre Ekwah, a former Chelsea academy player who has spent recent seasons with Nantes, West Ham, Sunderland, Saint‑Étienne and Watford. Ekwah is listed at about €2 million on Transfermarkt, making him a realistic target to bolster the midfield or defensive flanks as the club rebuilds after the departures of Rits, Verschaeren, Hazard and others.

The club also confirmed that De Cat has completed his secondary education, but his future remains uncertain, with a possible move to Germany being discussed.