Perr Schuurs Set to End Three-Year Injury Absence With NEC Return

Perr Schuurs is on the verge of his long-awaited comeback, named in NEC Nijmegen’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Eredivisie fixture against PEC Zwolle (21:00). The 26-year-old defender has not played competitive football in nearly three years.

Schuurs’ long road back began in October 2023 when, representing Torino, he suffered a serious knee injury in a match against Inter Milan. Complications compounded the original damage, and the Limburg-born defender faced one setback after another over the months that followed.

By 2025, Torino and Schuurs had mutually decided to part ways. Two years earlier, that outcome would have seemed unthinkable. Before the injury, Schuurs had established himself as one of the more reliable defenders in Serie A, and had come close to a high-profile move to Inter, the very club against whom his career was derailed.

In June 2026, NEC made their move, offering Schuurs a three-year contract as a clear statement of belief in his recovery. Saturday’s clash in Zwolle is where that faith gets its first public test.

Schuurs is expected to start on the bench. NEC arrive at this fixture needing to refocus after a midweek Champions League elimination at the hands of FK Bodø/Glimt. Friday’s Europa League group draw also brought clarity on what lies ahead: Benfica, Stade Rennes, Omonia Nicosia and Levski Sofia are among the home fixtures, while Juventus, Dinamo Zagreb, NK Celje and Ararat-Armenia make up the away assignments.

On the domestic front, NEC carry confidence from last week’s 1-4 win at Willem II. Goals from Adam Tahaui, Tjaronn Chery, Bryan Linssen and Kaj Sierhuis made the result emphatic against the Tilburg side. A similar performance in Zwolle would send a firm signal heading into a packed European schedule.

For the full build-up, match analysis and betting insights, follow TipsGG’s coverage of the Eredivisie.