AZ coach Slot expects to have fit Stengs against Viktoria Plzen | NOW

AZ coach Arne Slot expects to have Calvin Stengs in the second heat of the Champions League against Viktoria Plzen next Wednesday. The 21-year-old attacker resumed group training with the Alkmaarders at the beginning of this week after a muscle injury.

“Calvin is back in training, so if he does not get a kickback, he will be available”, Slot told AZ’s club channel. “Next week we will determine how we use him, whether he will play from the start or go for a raid.”

Due to his injury, Stengs missed AZ’s entire preparation so far. He will not be on the field yet in Thursday’s friendly against Fortuna Sittard. “Before next week’s game, he will not make any playing minutes, so not against Fortuna tomorrow,” said Slot.

However, the trainer of the Alkmaarders is not concerned about the lack of competition rhythm at Stengs. “Calvin is a pedigree footballer. During training I see that there is very little wrong with his assumptions and feeling for the ball.”

Still, Slot keeps a blow in his arms, because he does not want to run the risk of losing his star player for a longer period of time. “You always want to have a fit Calvin Stengs, but it must be responsible. He must be able to make a difference, otherwise it makes no sense to put him on the field.”

AZ will compete next Wednesday with Viktoria Plzen over one match for a place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The game in the AFAS Stadium starts at 4.30 pm.