Slavia Prague will enter their crucial Europa League clash against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets without one of their key players, Nigerian central defender Igoh Ogbu, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 24-year-old suffered a serious injury during Slavia's recent league victory over Viktoria Plzeň, leaving the team with a significant gap in their defence.
Ogbu’s absence, caused by a fractured zygomatic arch, was confirmed after a collision with Viktoria Plzeň’s Jan Kopic and Svetozar Markovic in the penalty area.
Initially thought to be a head injury, further tests revealed the facial fracture, requiring surgery.
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Slavia coach Jindřich Trpišovský expressed his disappointment at losing Ogbu for such an important match.
“It's a terrible loss and I'm sorry. Igoh is a great organizer and is important not only in aerial play but in all situations,” Trpišovský said as per Radiozurnal, lamenting the absence of the Nigerian defender, who has been pivotal for Slavia Prague’s strong defensive record this season.
Ogbu has started all 12 matches, contributing to seven clean sheets in eight league games.
The timeline for Ogbu’s recovery remains uncertain, though Trpišovský hopes he could return by the end of autumn.
“It is difficult to plan his return; it's very individual. I believe that he could make it to the end of autumn,” the coach added.
Slavia Prague’s defensive troubles don’t end with Ogbu. Tomáš Vlček is also out with a knee injury, leaving the coaching staff with tough decisions.
“There are more options available. The coaches and I are still deciding who we will choose and what the lineup will look like,” assistant coach Milan Kerbr explained.
Despite flying to Bulgaria on Monday, Slavia will face Ludogorets Razgrad on Wednesday without Ogbu, a player crucial to their Europa League ambitions.
