El Kaabi is out for most of the season
Your worst fear came true in Volos. Ayoub El Kaabi suffered a tibia fracture in Saturday's 1–1 draw and will miss 6–7 months (3)(5). The collision came in a heavy challenge with Volos goalkeeper Marios Siampanis, and the Moroccan striker was carried off and taken to hospital with a serious injury to his left leg (4)(5).
This is a massive blow. El Kaabi is your most important attacking player, and now he is gone for the bulk of the campaign.
The match itself
Olympiacos 1–1 Volos. Jota Silva scored from the penalty spot in the 48th minute, and you looked on course for three points (5). Then Maximiliano Comba equalised in the 76th (5). Two points dropped, and the margin at the top is gone.
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AEK beat Aris and have now drawn level with you at the top of the table (7). You still sit second on goal difference.
Siampanis is heartbroken
The Volos goalkeeper made it clear the injury was not intentional. "I am deeply saddened by what happened today, Ayoub. I never intended to hurt you, and seeing you suffer so much was truly heartbreaking," he wrote (3). He wished El Kaabi strength and a full recovery.
Olympiacos also sent a heartfelt message to their striker after the match (1)(2).
What comes next
OFI Crete visit Piraeus next Saturday, September 12. Then Jagiellonia Bialystok come to town in the Europa League on Wednesday, September 16.
The league position: 2nd with 7 points from 3 games, goal difference +2. Still early, but losing El Kaabi changes everything.
