Getafe midfielder Chrisantus Uche will serve the last of his three-match ban this weekend when his club faces Valencia in a week 35 game at Mestalla Stadium. Uche was handed the three-game discipline after he was sent off in their 1-0 loss against Espanyol on April 18. The 21-year-old Nigerian was adjudged to have stamped on the shin of an Espanyol player, and his actions after the incident further complicated his case.
According to referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, Uche was sent off “for coming in with his foot in a plank shape, hitting an opponent’s shin, using excessive force in the fight for the ball.” The referee also noted that “once sent off, he (Uche) had to be restrained and subsequently removed from the field of play by several players and coaching staff from his team as he was approaching me angrily protesting my decision.”
Uche’s absence will be felt by Getafe, who are currently 13th with 39 points. Their coach, José Bordalás, will need to navigate the absence of several key players, including team captains Djené and Arambarri, along with Uche, who is a versatile asset capable of playing as a forward, attacking midfielder, or central midfielder. Djené also received a red card in Vallecano, and there are concerns that his ban could extend beyond one match. Arambarri has already accumulated five yellow cards.
Despite the challenges, Getafe will be looking to secure their position in La Liga for another year. If they win at Mestalla, and depending on the outcomes of Leganés’ match against Espanyol and Las Palmas’ match against Rayo Vallecano, they could achieve their goal. However, they have yet to win any of their last four games.
Uche has been crucial to Getafe’s campaign in La Liga, scoring three goals and five assists in 30 games so far in his debut LaLiga campaign. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, and his teammates will need to step up and perform well if they are to achieve their goals.
The match against Valencia will be a tough test for Getafe, and they will need to be at their best to secure a win. Uche’s ban may prove to be a significant blow to the team, but they will be looking to rally together and overcome the challenge. As the team prepares for the match, they will be hoping that their other players can step up and fill the void left by Uche’s absence.
In the meantime, Uche will be watching from the sidelines, hoping that his teammates can secure a win and help the team achieve its goals. He will undoubtedly be eager to return to action and make a positive impact on the team. With his talent and versatility, he will be a valuable asset to Getafe, and his return will be eagerly anticipated by the team and its fans.