Nigeria's Uche suffers long-term injury in pre-season friendly for Getafe

The 23-year-old suffered the injury following a heavy challenge from French defender Christian Mawissa in the 1-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 giants.

According to reports, the player underwent further medical examinations after being stretched off the field, which extensive damage to both the ligaments and meniscus detected by an MRI scan.

Uche is expected to miss the entire upcoming season, having just returned from a tough loan spell with Premier League side Crystal Palace last season.

"Today is one of the toughest days of my career," posted Uche on his social media.

"Following the latest medical tests, it has been confirmed that my knee injury is serious and that I face a long recovery process.

"But challenges are part of the journey, too. I am going to face this period with strength, patience, and determination, working every day to get back to doing what I love most: playing football."

Uche has three international caps for the Super Eagles and will also miss the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September, ruling him out of contention for a spot in the subsequent final tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania next June. 

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