Assan Ouedraogo from Schalke 04 was injured more seriously than expected at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia and will be absent from the second division soccer team at least until January 2024.
An MRI scan revealed that “the 17-year-old suffered a tear in the anterior syndesmosis in his right foot,” the Royal Blues announced on Monday.
Ouedraogo is “definitely out” for the next four games and will therefore no longer be on the pitch for the Royal Blues in 2023. A decision will be made in January 2024 as to when he will be operational again, it said.
“It is very bitter for the player and for Schalke 04 that, contrary to the initial assessments of the DFB doctors and trainers, Assan is injured more seriously,” said Schalke sports director Andre Hechelmann.
The offensive player was badly fouled in the second group game at the U17 World Cup against New Zealand on Wednesday (3-1). The next day, those responsible for the DFB decided to take an image in the hospital.
“However, we would have liked to have received a clear diagnosis and thus clear communication from the association soon after the game,” criticized Hechelmann.
Ouedraogo has played eleven second division games so far this season and scored once. He made two appearances at the U17 World Cup, having previously been plagued by thigh problems.