INJURED CHIDERA EJUKE: I'm healing, and will return in a while

• Published date: 22 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Speedy winger Chidera Ejuke said he's healing fast and would be back on the pitch in some days. Hertha BSC was without the Nigerian striker in their 2023 opening match Saturday against Bochum.

Ejuke signed for Hertha Berlin from CSKA Moscow on a temporary deal in the summer after suspending his contract with the club for the 2022-23 season due to FIFA's ruling relating to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The 25-year-old dribbling wizard has been a crucial attacking component for Hertha Berlin since.

Ejuke featured in every one of Hertha's 15 Bundesliga games before the league went on the FIFA World Cup break. The Nigerian winger is still in search of his first goal but he had registered three assists and was one of the best dribblers in the German top flight.

Hertha Berlin were hoping Ejuke would rediscover his scoring instincts and help them climb out of relegation waters in the new year.

But that hope seems to have been punctured after Ejuke went off injured in Hertha's 7-1 friendly win over The Villages SC.

Initially, the diagnosis did not reveal anything serious but a test was quickly scheduled later that evening at a local hospital after Ejuke could no longer straighten his right knee.

The results reportedly revealed that the Nigerian forward has suffered an unspecified ligament injury that should not be operated on but treated conservatively.

Hertha Berlin currently sit in 15th position on the 18-team Bundesliga table, with only a better goal advantage than Stuttgart in the relegation playoff spot.

Ejuke said of the injury. 'I'm healing fast and enjoying the full support of the medical team. Since arriving here (Hertha Berlin) I've been enjoying my stay and being treated nicely. I will be back within a short time, though it all depends on the team doctor to return to the field.'

He added that he looks forward to scoring his first goal for the team. 'I have great teammates who have shown me kindness, and it is just a matter of time before i see the inside of the net. I have played...