Oscar Zambrano (foto: pigac.si)
Maribor midfielder Oscar Zambrano suffers a new injury and misses Ecuador call-up after briefly returning to full training.
Oscar Zambrano endured a dramatic week that began with optimism but ended in deep disappointment.
The Maribor midfielder had only recently returned to full training after recovering from injury, giving coach Feđa Dudić another midfield option at a crucial stage of the season. The positive news continued when the club confirmed that Zambrano had received a preliminary call-up from Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece ahead of friendlies against Morocco and the Netherlands.
Injury strikes again
However, the encouraging momentum quickly faded. During training, the Ecuadorian international suffered a thigh muscle injury that ruled him out of Maribor’s league match against Aluminij.
To make matters worse, the setback coincided with the Ecuadorian Football Federation releasing the official squad list — and Zambrano’s name was absent.
Limited impact since arrival
Persistent problems have severely limited Zambrano’s contribution since joining Maribor. Suspension issues and repeated injuries mean he has made only five appearances for the club so far.
The latest injury not only halts his attempt to regain form but also delays any chance of re-establishing himself both at club level and with the national team.