The head coach of Medeama SC, Yaw Preko, has bemoaned the career-threatening injury suffered by midfield powerhouse, Justice Blay, during their Ghana Premier League encounter with Legon Cities at the Akoon Park at Tarkwa on Sunday.

A bad tackle from behind by Legon Cities defender, Joseph Adjei, sent the Medeama player and his teammates into a state of agony following a fractured ankle.

Describing the injury as unfortunate, Coach Preko said it came at a time the victim was blossoming into a full-fledged star having attracted attention both locally and at the international level.

"It is very unfortunate that he has suffered such a career-threatening injury because he is yet to begin his football career. He is a unique player because he is not only a good dribbler but is very aggressive too, separating him from other players," Coach Preko said.

While sympathising with Blay, the Medeama coach, however, gave an assurance that both the management and the technical team of the club would offer the needed support to the player to speed up his recovery.

"I know he is going through a lot after the injury because I have been through it before. However, he has a strong mentality so I believe he can cope with this unfortunate incident as we offer him our support," Preko noted.

Asked how Medeama would cope with the absence of Blay, especially at a time the team was determined to win the 2020/21 Premier League title, Preko said he was working hard to fill the gap that had been created.

“He is one of our best players, so his absence would be felt so much, but we are doing everything to fill the vacuum created, while hoping that he recovers speedily and return to action,” he explained.

Currently, Blay’s right leg is in a Plaster of Paris (POP)cast after an initial treatment at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital. According to the club, various scans revealed that he suffered a fracture of distal 1/3 of his right fibula, which is likely to keep him from active football for not less than eight weeks.

Incidentally, Blay who last season played on loan at Asante Kotoko got injured a week before Medeama were to meet league leaders Kotoko, at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium at 3 p.m on Saturday.