Brighton and Hove Albion star Maxim de Cuyper has hinted at a growing frustration over a lack of minutes at the club this season.
The 25-year-old has been speaking to Sporza, admitting that injuries and inconsistency have derailed the momentum he built at Club Brugge.
Bright start ruined by injury
The left-back started brightly after his summer move, featuring heavily in the opening weeks. But a muscle injury that ruled him out against Tottenham on 20th September curtailed that.
Since then, his only 90-minute appearances have been against Aston Villa in December and Manchester City at the beginning of January. He’s not played more than 71 minutes in the Premier League since that point.
His minutes have dropped sharply over the past two months, and now he’s revealed why.
“I had some minor issues with my knee and Achilles tendon,” he explained. “Because of that, I never really played consistently. Other players got their chance and did well.”
With the World Cup approaching, the timing could be worse. Maxim de Cuyper admits he had hoped for the scenario to be very different.
“Ideally, I would’ve started the season more quietly and built up towards the World Cup. But that’s how it is.”
Belgium chance
This international break has, then, come at potentially the right time. Maxim de Cuyper is back in Belgium’s squad for friendlies with the USA and Mexico.
Nothing is guaranteed for the Brighton defender, but he’s hoping for the best.
“We’re here with quite a few players. I hope to get a few minutes at least once, that’s important for me,” he added.
“A second time would be a bonus. The coach will do what’s necessary to give everyone a chance.”
For De Cuyper, the message is a clear one. He needs minutes to help him gain fitness, rhythm and even trust to ensure the World Cup doesn’t end up passing him by this summer.
🇧🇷 Ryan Roberto | Brighton keeping tabs on €50m Brazilian talent ⏩ Explanation of situation and playerhttps://t.co/PltucMzgem #bhafc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 22, 2026