Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was absent from Club Brugge’s 2-2 draw against Union Saint-Gilloise on Saturday after sustaining an injury during training.
Onyedika, who has been a key player for the Belgian giants this season, had featured in 16 of their 18 league matches before this encounter. His only other absence was due to a red card suspension.
The Nigerian international played a pivotal role in Brugge’s 2-0 triumph over league leaders KRC Genk last week, raising expectations for his inclusion in the lineup against Union SG.
However, Onyedika was forced to pull out of Saturday’s training session after complaining of pain in his adductors. A late fitness test on Sunday confirmed that he was not ready to play.
Providing an update, Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen said, “We tested him on Sunday, but it quickly became clear that he was not ready for the match against Union.”
Despite the setback, Club Brugge managed to secure a point, maintaining their second-place position in the Belgian Pro League table. They are four points behind leaders KRC Genk but remain the team with fewer losses, more goals scored, and fewer goals conceded.
As the champions aim to defend their title, Coach Hayen will hope for Onyedika’s swift recovery ahead of their final match of 2024 on December 26.
The Nigerian’s return will also be crucial as Brugge prepares for a packed January schedule, featuring league clashes against OH Leuven, Anderlecht, and Beerschot, followed by a must-win UEFA Champions League showdown against Juventus to boost their knockout stage hopes.
