FC Midtjylland have confirmed that Senegalese centre-back Ousmane Diao will be out of action for several weeks after sustaining a foot injury during the summer break, ruling him out of the club’s early-season fixtures.
The 21-year-old suffered the setback while training individually in his home country during the off-season. Following medical examinations, a fracture was diagnosed, and the defender was subsequently forced to undergo surgery.
According to the Danish Superliga club, the procedure was successful, but Diao will now face a period of rehabilitation before returning to full fitness.
In an official statement released on Friday, 18 July, FC Midtjylland detailed the nature of the injury and outlined a preliminary recovery timeline, which suggests that the young defender will be unavailable until after the September international break.
“Ousmane Diao sustained the injury during a training session while on holiday in his home country. Subsequent tests revealed a fracture in his foot, requiring surgery, which went as planned.
This injury means Diao has not yet played in pre-season and will miss the first few months of the new season. He is expected to be ready after the international break in September,” the club confirmed via their official website.
Diao’s absence is a blow to Midtjylland’s defensive setup as the Wolves prepare for the start of the 2025–26 campaign. The Senegalese defender, who joined the Danish side from the Darou Salam Academy, had been steadily establishing himself as a reliable presence at the heart of defence and was expected to play a significant role this season.
The timing of the injury also complicates any potential transfer movement. Diao had attracted interest from several clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, but with his recovery now taking precedence, any negotiations regarding a move are likely to be put on hold.
Despite the setback, FC Midtjylland remain committed to supporting the player through his rehabilitation.
Club medical staff will continue to monitor his progress over the coming weeks, with a structured recovery programme in place to ensure a return to match fitness by early autumn.
The club has not disclosed a specific return date but expressed optimism that Diao will be back in contention once domestic and international competitions resume post-September.
The injury serves as an early challenge for head coach Thomas Thomasberg, who must now reshuffle his defensive plans ahead of the Superliga kickoff.
While Midtjylland still have depth in the defensive line, Diao’s physicality and aerial strength will be missed during the early stages of the campaign.
Diao’s progress will be closely followed by supporters and scouts alike, as the promising young defender continues his development at one of Denmark’s most competitive clubs. For now, the focus remains on recovery, with hopes that he will return stronger later in the season.
Ousmane Diao har pådraget sig et brud på foden, hvilket har kostet deltagelse i pre-season og holder ham ude de første måneder af den nye sæson.
Vi ønsker Diao en god genoptræning og glæder os til at se ham tilbage på banen.
— FC Midtjylland (@fcmidtjylland) July 18, 2025
