Anderlecht have received unexpectedly positive news regarding defender Giulian Biancone's injury. The Frenchman suffered a muscle injury during the 0-1 victory at KV Mechelen last Friday, but initial examinations have shown there is no major muscle tear.
The current expectation is that the defender can only make his comeback after the upcoming international break, the club stated. This rules Biancone out of the European match against Lyon and also the home league game against Zulte Waregem on 19 September. His absence in defence is considered a significant blow, especially with Anderlecht sitting seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with ten points from six matches.
Omobamidele steps up
Irish defender Andrew Omobamidele is expected to be the direct replacement for Biancone. The team plans additional examinations this week to better assess the injury and determine a definitive return date. For now, it appears Anderlecht will not have to be without Biancone for months as initially feared.
The injury occurred in the match against Mechelen, where Biancone had to be substituted after half an hour. Anderlecht eventually won that match 0-1 thanks to a goal from Tawfik Bentayeb. The team faces a busy schedule in the coming weeks, including a visit to league leaders Union St. Gilloise. Fans can check the full fixtures list and current standings for the latest context. Biancone's return in October would significantly bolster coach Brian Riemer's defensive options for the key autumn period.
