TheCable

Stoke City forward Osaze Odemwingie has confirmed he will require surgery on the cruciate knee ligament injury that has derailed his season.

Odemwingie missed the second half of the Potters’ shock 1-0 win against Manchester City on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium after he was stretchered off the field on 46 minutes.

It was initially thought the damage was insignificant as he was able to limp unaided onto the team bus. But an assessment of the damage has revealed he could be out for the rest of the season.

The Super Eagles forward, though, has vowed to be back before then and hopefully in time to join his teammates on a run to a cup final. The 33-year-old forward wrote on his official twitter account: @OdemwingieP9.

“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,” he wrote.

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

His injury forced Stoke to be active on the last day of the transfer window, bringing in Oussama Assaidi on loan from Liverpool.

Odemwingie, who played for Nigeria in the last World Cup in Brazil, has made 17 appearances for Stoke, scoring 5 goals, and helping the Potters achieve their highest Premier League finish of 9th last season after moving to the Britannia Stadium in January.