Slavia Prague manager Jindřich Trpišovský has expressed his disappointment over the absence of key player Igoh Ogbu, highlighting the significant impact of his absence on the team.
The Nigerian defender's absence has been officially confirmed following a fractured zygomatic arch, resulting from a collision with Viktoria Plzeň’s Jan Kopic and Svetozar Markovic in the penalty area during last weekend’s match.
While initially suspected to be a head injury, further medical examinations uncovered the facial fracture, necessitating surgical intervention.
As Slavia Prague continues their domestic and continental campaigns without the influential defender, Trpišovský remains optimistic about a possible return in the autumn.
Trpišovský distraught, hopeful concerning Igoh Ogbu's injury setback
Ahead of Slavia Prague's 2-0 Europa League win over Bulgarian champions Ludogorets, manager Jindřich Trpišovský lamented the absence of Igoh Ogbu, a crucial player in his tactical setup, while expressing hope for his return.
“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.
“It is difficult to plan his return, it is very individual. I believe that he could make it [back by] the end of autumn.”
Before his injury, Ogbu had made eight appearances for his club, starting all matches and averaging 82 minutes per game in the Czech First League.
His contributions helped secure seven wins and one draw, placing Slavia Prague at the top of the league table with 22 points, level on points with second-placed Sparta Prague but boasting a superior goal difference.
Ogbu joined the Czech outfit in January 2023 on a three-year contract from the Norwegian club Lillestrøm.
