Nigerian defender Igoh Ogbu set for surgery after fractured zygomatic arch

Slavia Prague will be without their key central defender, Igoh Ogbu, for the foreseeable future after the Nigerian suffered a serious injury during the club’s recent league match against Viktoria Plzeň. Ogbu, a former Nigeria U20 international, was forced off the pitch on a stretcher midway through the first half after a head-on collision with Viktoria Plzeň players Jan Kopic and Svetozar Marković in the penalty area.

While initial concerns pointed to a head injury, further medical tests revealed that Ogbu had fractured his zygomatic arch, requiring surgery in the coming days. Slavia Prague’s head coach, Jindřich Trpišovský, has not provided a specific timeframe for Ogbu’s recovery, but hinted that the defender could be sidelined until late autumn, possibly returning by December 2024 if rehabilitation goes smoothly.

Ogbu’s injury bears similarities to one sustained by Slavia Prague captain Jan Bořil, though it is reportedly more severe. The 24-year-old Nigerian has been an integral part of the team this season, starting in all twelve matches and playing a crucial role in the heart of defence. His commanding presence has helped Slavia Prague keep seven clean sheets in their league campaign, alongside promising Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinský.

Slavia Prague will now have to adjust to life without Ogbu as they prepare to face Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria on Wednesday in the Europa League’s first round. The defender’s absence is a significant blow to the Czech champions, who will miss his defensive leadership in the upcoming fixtures.

Ogbu’s return will depend on the success of his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, with the club hopeful he will make a full recovery before the year ends.