Serious injury for Kouame hits Empoli and Fiorentina, out for 5-6 months

Empoli suffered another devastating blow in their battle to avoid relegation after striker Christian Kouame, on loan from Fiorentina, was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The Tuscans have been struggling all season long with a series of long-term injuries that have decimated the squad at the disposal of coach Roberto D’Aversa.

They brought in Kouame on loan from Fiorentina in the January transfer window to boost their options, but his campaign is already over.

Kouame out until next season

The Ivorian suffered a knee injury during the 0-0 draw with Cagliari at the weekend and has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

This kind of injury generally requires five to six months out.

Kouame had scored one goal in nine appearances for the Tuscans, who are also in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Bologna.

Empoli’s absentee list includes Marco Silvestri, Youssef Maleh, Nicolas Haas, Ardian Ismajli, Saba Sazonov, Pietro Pellegri and Szymon Zurkowski.

They are locked in the bottom three and their next match this weekend is against Scudetto-chasing Napoli.