Zaidou will miss Porto until the end of the season due to a broken knee

The footballer Zaidou suffered a complete rupture of the anterior and external cruciate ligament of his left knee on Saturday and faces a layoff of at least six months, FC Porto of the I League announced this Sunday.

A defeated African Cup of Nations (CAN2023) finalist with Nigeria under Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, the left-back suffered a serious injury during the Blaugrana’s 2-0 triumph over Estrela da Amadora on matchday 22.

In the 31st minute, after Zaidou placed his foot poorly while trying to block Andre Luiz’s shot, Zaidou left on a stretcher with his face in his hands and ice on his left knee, and was replaced by right back Jorge. Sanchez, playing adapted in the corridor, on the left.

“Unfortunately, based on what the medical department has already provided me, Zaidou may not play again this season. I think it is a serious injury,” coach Sergio Conceicao commented at the post-match press conference, which stressed that it was a serious injury. the return of the Nigerian defender to the Dragons’ starting line-up after almost two months.

Zaidou, 26, joined young goalkeeper Goncal Ribeiro and Spanish centre-back Ivan Marcano in Porto’s injured group, which began preparations this Sunday to host Arsenal for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Sérgio Conceição’s team returns to training on Monday at 10:30 am in Olival, with the aim of facing English runners-up and reigning Premier League vice-champions, scheduled for Wednesday, kick-off at 8:00 pm, at the Stadio Dragau ” in Port.

The reunion of Porto, the only Portuguese team to make it past the first stage of the current competition and winners of the tournament in 1986/87 and 2003/04, and Arsenal, beaten finalists in the 2005/06 season, will take place on March 12 at the stadium ” Emirates” in London.