Osaze laments season-long injury layoff

Stoke City striker Osaze Odemwingie is disappointed after learning he will be out for the whole season following the injury he sustained in the game against Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the former West Brom player will need surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Premier League’s Physio Room said he would be out for six to nine months.

Despite the scare, however, the striker is hopeful of returning before the season ends in May and possibly play in one of the domestic cup finals.

Odemwingie wrote on his Twitter timeline: “It’s confirmed now surgery is required. Really gutted I will miss many games of the season. Will work hard to be back as early as possible.

“We have a strong squad that will do great in the league and I will be back well in time for the Wembley finals.”

Meanwhile, Stoke City have acquired Oussama Assaidi on a season-long loan from Liverpool to fill Odemwingie’s position. The Morocco international has vowed to repay the faith the club has in him.

Assaidi became Mark Hughes’ seventh signing of the summer on Sunday after the Potters were able to agree a deal with Liverpool.

Assaidi, who impressed during an identical spell at the Britannia Stadium last season, told Stoke City Player, “I’m very happy to play again for Stoke.

“It’s like I’m back home because I know everyone. I know the players, I know the boss and I know the fans of course. I like the fans, they still like me I think and I’m very happy to be here.

Assaidi netted five times in 25 league and cup appearances for the Potters last term, the last of which coming in the penultimate game of the campaign against Fulham.

He scored in the 4-1 triumph at the Britannia Stadium but also suffered a re-occurrence of a knee injury that ruled him out of the season finale at West Bromwich Albion.

The 26-year-old has been busy recovering from the setback over the close-season and cut short his holidays in order to give himself more time to bounce back.

“I’ve worked very hard and I’ve not had a long holiday over the summer,” he revealed.

“With my injury I’ve had to train really hard with Liverpool; in the gym as well as out on the training pitch so I can’t wait to play my first game.

“I’ve had a little bit of pain with my injury but now I am fit and hope to play.”