Lecce winger Lameck Banda has been dealt a significant setback, as he is set to be sidelined until the end of 2024 due to a fracture of the left medial malleolus. The injury occurred during Lecce’s recent Serie A match against Empoli.
Corriere dello Sport report how despite the severity of the injury, Banda was required to report to the Zambian national team as per FIFA regulations, which delayed his return to Italy for further assessment and treatment. Upon his return, the diagnosis was confirmed, and Banda is now scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days.
This injury represents a major blow for Lecce’s new manager, Marco Giampaolo, who will have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of his key players. The loss of Banda could potentially prompt the club to seek reinforcements during the January transfer window to compensate for his absence.
The timeline for Banda’s recovery suggests that he is not expected to return to action until 2025, leaving Lecce without his services for a significant portion of the current season and possibly the start of the next.
This unfortunate development will undoubtedly force Giampaolo to reassess his tactical approach and may provide opportunities for other players in the squad to step up and fill the void left by Banda’s absence.
