Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer in Turkish Super Lig history, Anthony Nwakaeme, has suffered his third injury setback of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to Kontraspor, Nwakaeme's latest injury is set to rule him out of Trabzonspor’s clash with Çaykur Rizespor this weekend.
The 35-year-old forward, who rejoined Trabzonspor at the beginning of this season, has struggled with multiple injuries, limiting his impact on the pitch.
Nwakaeme, who initially captured the hearts of Trabzonspor fans with his outstanding performances in his first spell at the club, has found it difficult to regain his former consistency.
Over 145 official matches in his first stint with the club, he scored 47 goals and provided numerous assists, establishing himself as one of the Super Lig's most reliable attackers.
However, since returning after two seasons away, he has yet to score or create any assist in 10 appearances, totaling 449 minutes across domestic and European competitions.
Nwakaeme’s injury troubles began on August 21, when he sustained a muscle strain in his left leg during training.
The injury forced him to miss UEFA Conference League ties against St. Gallen and several league games, including crucial fixtures against Beşiktaş and Eyüpspor.
Although he returned to the lineup in mid-September, he suffered a second muscle injury just weeks later, sidelining him once more for games against Atakaş Hatayspor and Başakşehir.
Despite his brief return for matches against Göztepe and Fenerbahçe, Nwakaeme sustained another injury to his groin area, ruling him out of the upcoming fixture against Rizespor.
Nwakaeme remains second among Nigerians in Super Lig goals, behind only Isaac Promise’s 62, having surpassed notable players like Emmanuel Emenike and Austin Okocha.
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