Peterborough United’s top scorer Kwame Poku is set to be sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the 24th minute of last Wednesday’s defeat to Burton Albion at home. Poku, who joined Peterborough from Colchester United in the summer of 2021, has been a pivotal figure for the club, scoring 10 goals this season. Since his arrival, he has netted 25 goals in 111 league appearances.
Opportunity Amid Setback
Manager Darren Ferguson acknowledged the impact of Poku’s absence but remained pragmatic. Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Ferguson said:
“He’s been the best player in the league in many people’s opinion, and we have to get on with it. He’ll be back around March time.”
Despite the setback, Ferguson emphasized the importance of adapting to injuries. He added:
“He had a scan and needed an operation. It gives someone else an opportunity, that’s how I’m looking at it. I never get too down on injuries because I know it’s part of the game—I don’t make excuses with it, I never have done.”
The manager also expressed sympathy for Poku, who was enjoying a stellar season:
“It is a blow for the boy because he’s in such good form.”
Team Updates and Burton Reflection
Goalkeeper Jed Steer, who has been recovering from a knee injury, was initially expected to return for Monday’s game against Northampton Town but has faced a slight delay due to illness. Ferguson provided an update, saying:
“It’s nothing serious, nothing about the injury. He’ll be back on the grass next week and he’s pretty close.”
Reflecting on the Burton defeat, Ferguson described it as a “one-off” in terms of the team’s lack of creativity:
“We watched it back and there were clear messages for the players about what we didn’t do well. Playing the way Burton did, my job is to make sure that if a team is set up and does exactly the same thing, how are we going to break it down.”
Ferguson highlighted a missed opportunity to exploit space, particularly in the moments leading up to Poku’s injury:
“All the spaces in behind we never used—the first time we did was when Kwame got injured. It can happen. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to scrape a result.”
Writer’s View
Poku’s absence represents a significant challenge for Peterborough as they push for success this season. While Ferguson’s optimism about creating opportunities for other players is admirable, replacing the league’s standout performer will be no easy task. The delay in Jed Steer’s return further compounds the club’s immediate concerns. However, Ferguson’s resolve and tactical adjustments will be pivotal as Peterborough navigate this challenging period.
