Deportivo La Coruna have been dealt a major blow with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ruled out after suffering a serious meniscus injury to his right knee.
The Gabon international sustained the injury during Deportivo’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis last weekend and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday, September 24.
Aubameyang underwent an MRI scan on Monday before travelling to Madrid for further examinations. The additional assessment confirmed damage to the meniscus, leaving the experienced striker facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Reports indicate that Aubameyang could be out for around two months, although the exact recovery period will depend on the procedure and his rehabilitation.
The setback comes just as the 37-year-old was enjoying a prolific return to Spanish football following his summer move from Marseille.
Aubameyang has scored five goals and provided two assists in seven La Liga appearances, quickly establishing himself as one of Deportivo’s most important attacking players.
He also scored in each of Deportivo’s opening five league matches, becoming the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimović to achieve that feat in La Liga.
His goals had played a major role in Deportivo’s strong start to the campaign, making his absence a significant setback for the club.
The striker will now undergo surgery before beginning his rehabilitation, with his immediate focus shifting from maintaining his scoring form to recovering fully from the knee injury.
Deportivo will meanwhile have to find alternative attacking solutions during his absence, with Aubameyang’s goals, movement and experience no longer available to the team in the short term.
For the Gabon international, the injury interrupts what had been an impressive start to his return to La Liga and leaves him facing a period of recovery before he can resume competitive action.
