As reported by Notts County on their official webpage and twitter, defensive player Geraldo Bajrami will miss the rest of the season.
What’s Happened?
Geraldo Bajrami featured in the starting XI against Lincoln City in the first EFL Cup round, which saw Notts lose 2-0 at Meadow Lane. However, the main concern wasn’t on the score but the early injury which saw Bajrami leave the pitch just 11 minutes into the game.
Bajrami seemingly went down without being fouled and was then removed from the pitch with well-travelled midfielder John Bostock taking his place in the centre of the park after.
It has been announced Bajrami has suffered a knee injury and will therefore miss the remainder of the season, a blow for The Magpies’ defensive depth and for the young player himself.
What’s Been Said?
Notts County has released the following on their website and social media:
A joint statement from our board of directors and head coach, Luke Williams, reads: “Our thoughts are with Geraldo following this devastating news.
“He will receive the best possible care throughout his rehabilitation and we know our fans will join us in giving him their full support.”
What Does This Mean For Notts?
Bajrami had been a solid backup option for Notts County in his first season which saw them reach the National League Final and seal promotion.
He has mainly been used as a midfield option to work alongside Matty Palmer before John Bostock was introduced to the club.
However, after his signing, Bajrami typically took up a centre-back role. He mainly operated in the middle of a back three, which is how they lined up against Wrexham near the end of last season.
Notts now only have the midfield options of Matty Palmer, John Bostock and Jim O’Brien which is incredibly limited when they normally operate a two in midfield.
The injury also affects Notts’ defensive options, with Kyle Cameron, Aiden Baldwin, Connell Rawlinson, Richard Brindley and Ollie Tipton being in the central defensive roles, operating a three at-the-back system.
Who is Geraldo Bajrami?
Geraldo Bajrami is an Albanian international who can operate in a defensive role whether that be in defence or in midfield.
He has just begun his second season with Notts County after signing at the beginning of the 2022/23 season from Kidderminster Harriers alongside their former captain Sam Austin.
Bajrami currently has one year left on his contract with Notts County so whether his future is with The Magpies remains to be seen.
Writer’s View
In my opinion, this is not going to be as big as blow for Notts as it may first seem. That’s due to the time Bajrami had out last season through minor injuries and his overall lack of playing time before this recently sustained injury.
Despite this, I believe Bajrami was a good enough player to muster up more minutes and I’d hoped a few good performances at the beginning of this season would have helped cement a more permanent place in Luke Williams’ squad.
I feel the 23-year-old could have done really well this season in a more physical League Two and it’s a real shame he can’t prove himself.
Hopefully, if he doesn’t make it back this season, he is able to restart his career either at Notts, another club in the EFL or at least a side pushing for EFL status.
