Brighton and Hove Albion star Maxim De Cuyper has hinted at growing frustration at his lack of minutes at the club this season.
25 year old man talking to SporzaAdmitting that injuries and inconsistency have derailed the momentum he has built at Club Brugge.
Great start ruined due to injury
The left-back has made a great start following his summer move, performing strongly in the opening weeks. But due to a muscle injury he had to miss the match against Tottenham on 20th September cut that down.
Since then, his only 90-minute appearances have come against Aston Villa in December and Manchester City in early January. Since that time he has not played more than 71 minutes in the Premier League.
His minutes have dropped sharply over the past two months, and now he's explained why.
"I had some minor problems with my knee and Achilles tendon," he explained. "Because of that, I never really played consistently. Other players got their chances and performed well."
Times could get worse as the World Cup approaches. Maxime de Cuyper admits that he expected the scenario to be very different.
"Ideally, I would have started the season more calmly and prepared for the World Cup. But it is the way it is."
belgium chance
Then again, this international break has potentially come at the perfect time. Maxime De Cuyper has returned to the Belgium squad for friendlies with the United States and Mexico.
Nothing is guaranteed for the Brighton defender, but he is hoping for the best.
"We're here with some players. I hope I get some minutes at least once, it's important for me." He added.
"There will be a bonus the second time. The coach will do what is necessary to give everyone a chance."
For De Cuyper, the message is clear. He needs a few minutes to help him regain fitness, rhythm and even confidence to ensure the World Cup does not slip away from him this summer.
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- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 22 March 2026
