Super Eagles dribbling wizard set to miss first Bundesliga match of 2023

The Nigeria international has not hit the expected heights in Berlin but he remains a key attacking player for the Old Lady

Super Eagles wing-wizard Chidera Ejuke may not be available for Hertha Berlin when the Old Lady play their first Bundesliga match of the year 2023 next weekend.

Ejuke signed for Hertha Berlin from CSKA Moscow on a temporary deal in the summer after suspending his contract with the club for the 2022–23 season due to FIFA's ruling relating to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The 25-year-old dribbling wizard has been a crucial attacking component for Hertha Berlin since.

Ejuke featured in every one of Hertha's 15 Bundesliga games before the league went on the FIFA World Cup break. The Nigerian winger is still in search of his first goal but he had registered three assists and was one of the best dribblers in the German top flight.

Hertha Berlin were hoping Ejuke would rediscover his scoring instincts and help them climb out of relegation waters in the new year.

But that hope seems to have been punctured after Ejuke went off injured in Hertha's 7-1 friendly win over The Villages SC.

Initially, the diagnosis did not reveal anything serious but a test was quickly scheduled later that evening at a local hospital after Ejuke could no longer straighten his right knee.

The results reportedly revealed that the Nigerian forward has suffered an unspecified ligament injury that should not be operated on but treated conservatively.

Hertha are yet to announce how long Ejuke will be out on the sidelines but it is expected to be for a few weeks.

What is certain is that the former Heerenveen man will miss Hertha's first competitive game of the new year at VfL Bochum on Saturday next week.

“Of course it's a shame for Chidi,” said Hertha's head coach Sandro Schwarz.

It is an injury that leaves behind a sour taste in the mouth of Hertha's sporting director Fredi Bobic. “An injury at such a time is always bitter,” said Fredi Bobic.

Hertha Berlin currently sit in 15th position on the 18-team Bundesliga table, with only a better goal advantage than Stuttgart in the relegation playoff spot.