During the early minutes of the SuperCup clash between FCSB and CFR Cluj at Ghencea, striker Denis Alibec was forced off due to a knee injury sustained after a sprint challenge with Leo Bolgado. Alibec immediately felt pain in his right knee and received medical attention on the pitch before attempting to continue. However, he was substituted off in the 9th minute, replaced by Vlad Chiricheș, with Florin Tănase moving upfront[1][3].
Post-match, Alibec revealed he felt instability in his knee and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Initial reports suggested a possible 10-day absence, but the diagnosis points to a collateral ligament injury, which may sideline him for a longer period depending on the grade of the lesion. If it is a grade II ligament injury, a common occurrence in such cases, he could miss at least a month[2][3][4].
Despite this setback, there is optimism that Alibec might recover in time to feature in FCSB’s opening SuperLiga match against Hermannstadt on July 12, broadcast live on Digi Sport 1. However, he is expected to miss the crucial UEFA Champions League preliminary round first leg against Andorran champions Inter Club d’Escaldes[1].
This injury comes at a pivotal moment for FCSB, who rely heavily on Alibec’s attacking prowess. His fitness will be closely monitored as the club balances domestic league ambitions with European commitments.
**Insight:** Alibec’s quick recovery could prove vital for FCSB’s early season momentum, but the team must prepare for his potential absence in key European fixtures.