Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge’s league game against Union Saint-Gilloise which ended in a 2-2 draw, Soccernet.ng reports.

Before Saturday’s clash between the two Belgian giants, Onyedika had featured in all but two of Club Brugge’s 18 league games, missing one of the other matches due to a red card suspension.

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The Nigerian international, with an increasing valuation, was on course to be named in the starting lineup against Union SG, having impressed in Brugge’s impressive 2-0 victory over league leaders KRC Genk last week.

However, Onyedika suffered an injury during training on Saturday which forced him out of the session as he complained of pain in his adductors.

The former FC Midtjilland ace failed a late fitness test on Sunday and was left out of the squad for the trip to the Stade Joseph Mariën in Brussels.

Giving an update on the injury to Onyedika, Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen said,

“We tested him on Sunday, but it quickly became clear that he was not ready for the match against Union.”

Despite the draw against Union SG, Club Brugge remains second on the Belgian Pro League table, four points behind high-flying Genk.

The champions, who have lost fewer games, scored more goals and conceded fewer goals than the league leaders, will remain optimistic of retaining their crown.

Coach Hayen will, however, hope Onyedika can recover in time to be available for selection when Club Brugge played their last match of year 2024 on Thursday, December 26.

Club Brugge’s first three games in January are against OH Leuven, Anderlecht and Beerschot before they face Juventus – a match they need to win to boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League.