Hans Vanaken Racing to Be Fit as Club Brugge Face Antwerp

Club Brugge are hoping captain Hans Vanaken will recover in time to start Sunday’s important match against Antwerp, after the midfielder was forced off with a hamstring problem during Tuesday’s game against Aston Villa.

“Hans is doing everything he can to get fit,” Club Brugge head coach Ivan Leko said Friday.

Vanaken was substituted after feeling discomfort in his hamstring, leaving his availability for Sunday’s Belgian Pro League clash uncertain. Leko said the issue appears to be minor but acknowledged that the midfielder’s heavy workload could be a factor.

“He was taken off with a small problem,” Leko said. “But if you know how much Hans wants to play…”

Club Brugge face Antwerp at Jan Breydel Stadium on Sunday in the first of two major league games before the international break. After Antwerp, Club Brugge will face another tough test against KRC Genk the following week.

The club will wait until closer to kickoff before making a final decision on Vanaken.

Leko pointed to the midfielder’s remarkable workload last season. Vanaken played 73 games and had very little time to recover or take a proper vacation afterward.

“When you play that many matches and have such a short break, the chance of picking up an injury becomes higher,” Leko said.

The coach also defended Club Brugge’s medical and performance staff, saying they are doing everything possible to prevent injuries.

“I can’t blame anyone,” Leko said. “When I see how hard everyone is working, there is nothing more they could do.”

For Leko, the question is not simply whether Vanaken needs more rest. The Club Brugge captain has built a reputation for wanting to play even when he is not fully fit.

“If you talk to Hans about rest, it’s as if that word doesn’t exist for him,” Leko said.

That determination has been an important part of Vanaken’s success over the past decade, but it can also lead him to play while carrying an injury.

“He loves the game so much that sometimes he plays when he is only 70 or 80 percent fit,” Leko said, pointing to last season when Vanaken continued playing despite a badly swollen ankle.

Club Brugge are also monitoring the condition of Kyriani Sabbe, who missed time because of an adductor problem.

Leko said Sabbe’s injury is less serious than initially feared after Tuesday’s match and praised the young defender’s progress.

“Kyri is one of the players who has made the most progress under me,” Leko said. “He is a key player for me. The quality and stability he brings are very important. We hope he will be back soon.”

With Club Brugge preparing for a crucial stretch of the Belgian Pro League season, Vanaken’s fitness will be closely watched ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Antwerp.