Patson Daka Set to Miss Several Weeks With Thigh Injury

Zambia forward Patson Daka is set to spend several weeks on the sidelines after Hamburger SV confirmed that the striker suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left thigh while on international duty with the Chipolopolo.

Daka sustained the injury during Zambia’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier in Tizi Ouzou on September 25. The forward subsequently missed Zambia’s second Group I fixture against Togo, which the Chipolopolo won 2-0 in Ndola.

After returning to Germany, Daka underwent further medical examinations, with an MRI scan at Hamburger SV’s medical facility confirming the extent of the injury.

“Detailed MRI scans conducted at the Athleticum at Volkspark have now revealed the precise diagnosis: the Zambian has suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left thigh and will be sidelined for the coming weeks.”

Hamburger SV also sent a message of support to their new striker, adding: “Get well soon, Pato!”

The injury represents an early setback for Daka as he begins his first season with the German club. The 27-year-old joined Hamburger SV on a one-year contract as a free agent following the end of his five-year spell with Leicester City.

Before moving to England, Daka enjoyed a highly successful spell with Red Bull Salzburg, winning four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups. His 27 league goals in the 2020-21 season earned him the Golden Boot and Player of the Season award.

Daka later joined Leicester City in 2021 in a reported €30 million transfer. During five seasons with the English club, he made 166 appearances across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists.

His move to Hamburger SV offered a fresh start in Germany, but the thigh injury has temporarily interrupted that new chapter.

Both Hamburger SV and Zambia will now await Daka’s recovery as the striker begins his rehabilitation, with his return date dependent on his progress over the coming weeks.