Recently, Shenhua’s starting lineup has been hit by a series of injuries, leaving fans deeply concerned about the condition of their key striker, Gaye. The Senegalese forward suffered an Achilles tendon rupture and will be sidelined for a significant period. He underwent a successful surgery at Shanghai Huashan Hospital.
During Shenhua’s home match against Chengdu Rongcheng on May 1, Gaye landed awkwardly on his left foot while contesting a header and had to be substituted. Post-match diagnosis confirmed a rupture of his left Achilles tendon, meaning he will miss the remainder of this season.
A timely surgery was essential for the ruptured tendon, and the club arranged for it at Huashan Hospital. The procedure was performed by a leading sports medicine specialist, and it was a success. Gaye showed no signs of fever or wound pain afterward. Under expert guidance, he began rehabilitation exercises the very next day. Surgery is only the first step; once the tendon is reattached, early rehabilitation is crucial to prevent adhesion with surrounding tissue and to strengthen the tendon. Additionally, lack of movement in the calf post-injury could lead to rapid muscle atrophy.
After the successful surgery, Gaye returned to the Kangqiao base to start his recovery training under the supervision of Shenhua’s medical team and physiotherapists. His wife has been by his side to support him through this difficult period. Whether Gaye will go abroad for further rehabilitation remains to be decided.
Since joining Shenhua this season, Gaye has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in the first 9 league matches, establishing himself as the absolute mainstay of the attack. His presence also created more space for other forwards like Latang. Given that Gaye faces a lengthy recovery and may miss the entire season, the club is considering alternative personnel plans. The secondary transfer window opens on June 18, allowing teams to make adjustments. However, having already used all six foreign player slots, Shenhua’s feasible option would be to recall Asue, who is currently on loan. Asue was loaned to Spanish Segunda División side Leganés in January, with the loan period ending on June 30. The final match of this season’s Segunda División will take place on June 1.
So far, Asue has made 13 appearances in the Segunda División, starting twice and scoring 2 goals. Notably, in the latest round against Santander, he came off the bench and scored a header, showing he remains in good form. If he returns to Shenhua after the transfer window opens on June 18, he could feature in the 16th round match against Dalian Yingbo on June 28. Asue had some minor injury issues earlier but has now fully recovered.
After 11 rounds of the Chinese Super League, Shenhua sits in sixth place with 11 points. If they decide to recall Asue, he could return to the squad immediately after the Segunda División season ends, allowing time to integrate with the team.
*Written by Jin Lei, Xinmin Evening News*
*Photos by Li Mingshen, Xinmin Evening News*
*Edited by Lu Weixin*
