Slavia Prague head coach Jindřich Trpišovský has voiced deep concern over the fitness of Nigerian defender and Super Eagles star Igoh Ogbu after he limped off during their 2025/2026 Chance Liga opener against Hradec Králové.
Ogbu, who recently signed a contract extension and remains a key figure in Slavia’s defensive setup, was forced off just nine minutes into the second half of the 2-2 draw. The timing of the injury could not have been worse, as Slavia aimed to build early momentum in their title defence.
Trpišovský, speaking after the game, revealed that the initial assessment indicates a possible muscle issue but stressed that the club is awaiting MRI results for clarity. He stated:
The first information is that there is something there, he had a finding on the ultrasound, but we will be smarter after the MRI,” the coach told Slavia’s official website.
Preliminary reports suggest a possible hamstring injury, but confirmation will come after the scan. Ogbu’s early substitution visibly disrupted Slavia’s structure, with his replacement, David Zima, struggling to contain the Hradec Králové attack.
The visitors capitalised late in the match to secure a draw, leaving the defending champions with just a single point and ninth on the table after the opening round.
Ogbu’s importance to both the domestic campaign and Slavia’s upcoming European fixtures cannot be overstated. A long-term absence would pose a significant setback, especially as the club prepares for high-stakes matches in both competitions.
Trpišovský admitted that the mood in the dressing room was sombre, noting the psychological impact of losing one of their most reliable defenders so early in the campaign.
“We’ll know more soon, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed. Igoh is a warrior and very important to us,” the coach added.
Fans and teammates will now await the results of the scan with bated breath, hoping that the Nigerian international will return to action swiftly.
Slavia’s next league fixture comes against city rivals Bohemians Prague, and Ogbu’s availability could prove pivotal in restoring confidence and cohesion in the squad.
For now, the club and supporters remain on edge, praying the injury is not as serious as initially feared.
