Gantoise watch nervously as Panama debutant Vergara succumbs to hip injury
While Gantoise hold their breath over the fitness of 19‑year‑old striker Josué Vergara, the Panama forward seemed to be living a dream debut for his national side, only to be forced off with a hip problem minutes after scoring.
Panama debut and goal
Thomas Christiansen, former Union Saint‑Gilloise manager, placed the youngster straight into the starting eleven for the match against Ecuador. The 19‑year‑old had not been cleared for Panama's Asian tour, but the coach trusted his ability. Christiansen's confidence was rewarded when Vergara opened the scoring after 38 minutes.
A José Luis Rodríguez cross found Vergara, whose first effort struck the post before the rebound fell to his boot for the 1‑0 lead. Panama later settled for a draw after the match ended 1‑1.
Just after the restart, Vergara limped off from the bench, having already received treatment at half‑time. Medical staff later confirmed a hip injury forced his permanent departure from the field.
Gantoise's fitness alarm
Gantoise had already flagged a muscular issue following the league clash with Standard Liège, prompting the Panama federation to request medical documentation before allowing him to travel to Japan. The federation subsequently sent the paperwork and arranged examinations in Japan, where doctors declared him fit to resume training.
A few days after the Japanese assessment, VERGARA was named in Panama's starting line‑up again, only to suffer the hip problem that ended his debut. Gantoise's medical staff expressed fury, describing the situation as a 'true disaster' for the Buffalos.
The forward has already netted three goals in seven league appearances, attracting praise from coach Rik De Mil for his physical power and positional intelligence. His sudden unavailability leaves the Belgian side without their emerging flag‑bearer of attack.
The contrast between a headline‑making international debut and an abrupt injury underscores the precariousness of Vergara's season. Gantoise will now monitor his recovery closely, hoping to restore the momentum that has made him a focal point of their offensive plans.