Patson Daka ruled out for weeks with thigh injury

Hamburger SV will be without Patson Daka for several weeks after scans confirmed the Zambian striker sustained a muscle-fibre tear in his left thigh while on international duty.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying trip.

Daka was substituted at half-time of Zambia’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria on September 25. He did not feature in the following 2-0 victory over Togo, prompting concern over his condition. Detailed MRI examinations after his return to Hamburg have now established the extent of the problem.

The absence is a major setback for HSV, who have relied on Daka regularly during the opening stage of the season. He appeared in all five competitive fixtures, starting three of them and registering one assist. His pace, movement and experience have made him a valuable option in attack.

Hamburg have not announced a precise return date, but the forward will miss the coming weeks while he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation. The club will hope he can recover without complications and return before the schedule becomes more demanding.

His injury leaves HSV short of attacking depth, forcing the coaching staff to consider alternatives. Daka’s immediate focus will be recovery, while Hamburg must adapt without one of their most frequently used forwards.