Majeed Ashimeru surprised just about everyone during Union-Anderlecht on Sunday by crowning himself – until his injury – as the best player on the field. The Ghanaian seems to be the puzzle piece that Anderlecht need to play for the prizes. But how bad is his new injury?
Ashimeru was on the field for barely 400 minutes this season. It was only his second starting place, but during these play-offs he already played in six matches. That is the same as in the regular season. The fact that he had to leave injured again after an hour was quite a disappointment.
Never completely fit
His broker, Zouhair Essikal, gave us more explanation. “He already had cramps at halftime, but because he was so good, they wanted to keep him on the field. It’s kind of the story of his season. Everyone always wants him on the field as soon as possible,” said Essikal.
That was also the case at the Africa Cup this winter. The midfielder started in all three of Ghana’s matches, but had to leave injured in the last match. “He never gets the time to build up his physicality. Before he went to the Africa Cup, he didn’t play much at Anderlecht and suddenly he had to play everything. A match every three or four days was too much for him.”
Only one year left on contract
But a fully fit Ashimeru is an added value for any team. “Yesterday I saw the Ashimeru from Vincent Kompany,” says Essikal. “He was also the best player of the Ghanaian team at the Africa Cup. Fully fit, I don’t see many better midfielders than him at Anderlecht.”
His performance ensures that Brian Riemer says a prayer for the MRI scan that will follow later in the day. “I think it is a minor injury. But he definitely wants to play. There is a chance that he will be fit for the match against Genk,” Essikal thinks. “He will do everything he can.”
Since he only has one year left on his contract, he is also playing for his future. “There were already concrete options in the winter, but after his performance at the Africa Cup they did not want to let him leave Anderlecht. He is satisfied and happy at Anderlecht, but we will look at all options later.”
Also an extended stay with the Purple & White. “If he stays, a new contract will have to be signed. We will wait for the last three matches to negotiate with the club. I hope he can still show himself.”
Vertonghen: unclear
Jan Vertonghen also has to undergo an MRI today. The defender grabbed the groin, but it is not yet clear how serious his injury is. At the moment they are thinking of a sprain, but worse cannot be ruled out. Riemer will also say a Hail Mary for that.
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