Getafe will have to begin the new Spanish season without Christantus Uche after the Nigerian midfielder suffered a major knee problem during pre-season.
The 23-year-old was involved in Getafe’s friendly against AS Monaco on Thursday but could not finish the game. He was taken from the pitch on a stretcher after Monaco’s Christian Mawissa made a dangerous challenge, with the defender receiving his marching orders.
Uche was initially believed to have suffered nothing more than a heavy knock. However, medical checks later revealed that the damage was considerably worse than first thought.
Scans showed that the Super Eagles player had sustained damage to several ligaments as well as the meniscus in his right knee. He is now expected to undergo an operation shortly and face a long period of recovery.
The injury means Uche’s campaign is over before the competitive season has even got underway.
It is an unfortunate development for the midfielder, who had just returned to Getafe after spending the previous season on loan at Crystal Palace. He was expected to compete for an important role under manager Jose Bordalas.
Nigeria will also have to plan without Uche for its forthcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games, adding another concern for the Super Eagles ahead of their next international assignments.
