Lameck Banda Out for Three Months After Ankle Surgery
US Lecce and Zambian international winger Lameck Banda has faced yet another significant setback after undergoing his second surgery in less than a year. The 24-year-old recently had surgery on his ankle following an injury sustained during Lecce’s Serie A clash against Empoli in early November. This comes just months after recovering from a knee surgery that had sidelined him for an extended period.
Banda’s injury, a sprain of his left ankle, occurred during Lecce’s match on November 8, 2024. Subsequent scans revealed a fracture of the medial malleolus, a serious injury that required immediate surgical intervention. Following the procedure, Lecce confirmed that the surgery involved the placement of screws to stabilize the fracture. Banda is now expected to be out of action for three months, a significant blow to both Lecce and the Zambian national team.
Banda’s injury became a point of contention between Lecce and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). Lecce stated that despite their objections, Banda was required to report for international duty ahead of the final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. The club expressed frustration, noting that FIFA regulations compelled them to release the player, even though his injury had already been diagnosed.
Upon arriving in Zambia, the Chipolopolo medical team confirmed Banda’s injury, after which he promptly returned to Italy for treatment. Lecce highlighted that the trip delayed his recovery and exacerbated the situation, leading to the surgery.
With the surgery now completed, Banda faces a lengthy rehabilitation process. The three-month timeline for recovery means he is likely to miss critical fixtures for Lecce and will not feature in Zambia’s upcoming AFCON preparations. For Lecce, Banda’s absence creates a gap in their attacking options in the Serie A campaign.
At just 24 years old, Banda is considered one of Zambia’s most promising football talents. However, repeated injuries threaten to disrupt his career trajectory. Despite the setbacks, Banda has shown resilience in returning from previous injuries, and fans will hope for another strong comeback.
