Gent striker Josué Vergara scored on his international debut for Panama but suffered a hip injury that threatens his availability for the upcoming league fixture. The 19-year-old forward was forced off at halftime during a friendly in Japan, causing concern for the Belgian league leaders.
The Panamanian football federation called up Vergara despite Gent's preference to keep the player in Belgium. In an official statement on 30 September, the federation noted that Gent had not sent confirming medical tests as required by FIFA protocols. "The federation's request is aimed at having the player examined by the federation's medical staff to determine his current physical condition, since his club has not sent confirming medical tests, as prescribed by FIFA protocols for official national team call-ups," the Panamanian football federation said.
Medical tests in Japan, according to the federation, showed Vergara was fit enough to play. The striker, who joined from Latvian club FK Auda in the summer of 2026, made his debut and put Panama ahead. The exact extent of the hip injury is not yet clear. Gent hopes the damage is limited ahead of the important away match against Zulte Waregem on Saturday evening.
Context for the Buffaloes
The injury comes at a critical time. Gent are second in the Jupiler Pro League with 19 points from seven games and are unbeaten in their last five matches. Vergara, with three goals, has been a key contributor this season. He scored the opener in the recent 2-1 win over Standard Liège. The full standings show how tight the race at the top is.
The next opponent, Zulte Waregem, sit sixth. The last meeting, in March, ended in a 2-0 win for Gent. The match against Zulte Waregem is the next fixture on the fixtures schedule.
Vergara has scored four times for the Buffaloes this season. His absence would be a significant blow for a team looking to extend its strong run. Gent's medical staff are awaiting further details from Panama to formulate a treatment plan. The club faces a full October fixture schedule.
Read the full report at HLN Voetbal
The medical staff of AA Gent will examine Josué Vergara upon his return, the club announced. The severity of the hip injury will only become clear on Wednesday or Thursday, the club stated. The striker scored on his debut for Panama but was substituted injured. Gent, second with 19 points, plays against Zulte Waregem on Saturday.
