Junior Malanda Set to Miss Rest of Bundesliga Season Due to Injury
Wolfsburg midfielder Junior Malanda faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury in the German Cup semi-final against Borussia Dortmund. The Congolese-born Belgian will miss the remainder of the Bundesliga season.
Malanda, who has been a key player for Wolfsburg, sustained the injury in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s match, which ended in a 2-0 defeat to Dortmund. Despite a solid performance in midfield, Malanda was caught by a challenge from a Dortmund defender, leading to the knee injury.
The 20-year-old has been diagnosed with a torn medial ligament and a sprained cruciate ligament. Fortunately, Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking confirmed that surgery will not be required, but he described the injury as “a misfortune, but also an opportunity” for other players in the squad to step up.
Malanda is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, meaning he will play no further part in Wolfsburg’s push for European qualification in the Bundesliga. The injury is a significant blow for the player, who has impressed since joining Wolfsburg from Zulte-Waregem in 2014.
Hecking’s side will now have to adjust without one of their most promising young talents for the final stretch of the season.
