Denis Alibec, FCSB’s key summer signing, suffered a knee injury just four minutes into the Supercup clash against CFR Cluj, forcing an early substitution and casting uncertainty on his availability during a crucial period for the Romanian champions. During a sprint contest with CFR’s Leo Bolgado, Alibec experienced pain in his right knee, sat down on the pitch, and received immediate medical attention before being replaced by Vlad Chiricheș around the ninth minute.
Following the match, FCSB arranged for an MRI scan on Monday morning to determine the severity of Alibec’s injury. However, the MRI results were inconclusive, prompting the club to seek additional expert opinions to clarify the diagnosis. In the meantime, Alibec has been removed from training and placed on a minimum 10-day rest period, after which his condition will be reassessed with a follow-up MRI.
This enforced absence guarantees that Alibec will miss at least the next two weeks of action, encompassing FCSB’s opening fixtures in the Champions League preliminary rounds against Inter D’Escaldes and either TNS or Shkendija, as well as domestic league matches versus Hermannstadt and Petrolul. Should further evaluation reveal a collateral ligament injury, the striker could face an extended layoff, potentially sidelining him throughout August—the busiest month on FCSB’s calendar.
Alibec’s injury represents a significant setback for FCSB as they navigate an intense schedule of European qualifiers and Liga I matches. The club’s offensive options will be tested in his absence, placing more pressure on other attacking players like Florin Tănase, who shifted to a forward role during Alibec’s substitution.
This situation underscores the fragility of squad depth during a condensed fixture list and raises questions about FCSB’s ability to maintain momentum as they pursue domestic and continental success in the coming weeks.