Zambia forward Patson Daka is set to spend several weeks on the sidelines after Hamburger SV confirmed that the striker suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left thigh while on international duty with the Chipolopolo.
Daka sustained the injury during Zambia’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier in Tizi Ouzou on 25 September. The forward was subsequently ruled out of Zambia’s second Group I fixture against Togo, which the Chipolopolo won 2-0 in Ndola.
After returning to Germany, Daka underwent further medical examinations to determine the extent of the injury. Hamburger SV confirmed that an MRI scan carried out at the club’s medical facility provided a precise diagnosis of the problem.
“Detailed MRI scans conducted at the Athleticum at Volkspark have now revealed the precise diagnosis: the Zambian has suffered a torn muscle fibre in his left thigh and will be sidelined for the coming weeks.”
Hamburger SV also sent a message of support to their new striker, adding: “Get well soon, Pato!”
The injury represents an early setback for Daka as he begins his first season with the German club. The 27-year-old joined Hamburger SV on a one-year contract as a free agent following the end of his five-year spell with former Premier League champions Leicester City.
Daka had moved to Germany looking to begin a new chapter in his career after spending the previous five seasons in England. His arrival at Hamburger SV marked a return to the Bundesliga, where he will now have to wait before continuing his first season with the club.
The Zambian striker established himself as one of the most prolific young forwards in European football during his time with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Daka won four consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups during his spell with the club.
His most productive individual campaign came in the 2020-21 season, when he scored 27 goals in the Austrian Bundesliga. That tally earned him the league’s Golden Boot, while he was also named the division’s Player of the Season.
Daka’s outstanding form in Austria attracted significant interest from across Europe and eventually led to his move to Leicester City in 2021. The reported €30 million transfer made the deal a record transfer involving a Zambian player at the time.
During his five-year spell with Leicester, Daka made 166 appearances across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists.
His time at the English club included appearances in domestic and European competitions, before he eventually departed as a free agent and secured his move to Hamburger SV.
The German move represented an opportunity for Daka to start afresh and establish himself in another of Europe’s major football leagues. However, his early progress has now been interrupted by the thigh injury sustained while representing Zambia.
The timing of the injury will also be a concern for both Daka and Hamburger SV, with the forward now facing a period of rehabilitation before he can return to competitive action. The club has confirmed that he will be sidelined for the coming weeks, although the precise length of his absence will depend on his recovery.
For Zambia, Daka’s absence also removes one of the team’s established attacking options following the opening two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The striker featured in the defeat to Algeria before the injury forced him out of the subsequent victory over Togo. Zambia’s 2-0 home win over Togo provided a positive response to the opening-day setback, but the Chipolopolo will now have to manage Daka’s absence while he works his way back to full fitness.
Daka’s recovery will therefore be closely followed by both Hamburger SV and Zambia, particularly as the forward looks to establish himself in Germany and continue his international career.
For now, the immediate priority is recovery. After beginning a new Bundesliga chapter following his move from Leicester City, Daka will have to spend the coming weeks away from competitive football before attempting to return to the pitch.
