What initially seemed like a bruise has become a nightmare. Christantus Uche, who had returned to Getafe after an unremarkable loan spell at Crystal Palace, was seriously injured in the 78th minute of the friendly against Monaco when Mawissa caught him with his studs on his standing leg. The player had to leave the pitch on a stretcher.

The club's initial medical report spoke of a 'contusion to the kneecap', but the MRI scan carried out hours later confirmed the drama: the kneecap is displaced and there are multiple tears to the ligaments and meniscus of the right knee. He will undergo surgery in the coming days and his recovery will take several months.

The injury is a hammer blow for Jose Bordalas, who loses a key player before the start of the 2026/27 LaLiga EA Sports season. Getafe, who also return to European competition this season, lose not only a decisive player on the pitch but also one of their main assets in the transfer market.

The timing makes the injury even more cruel. Uche was facing this season as a turning point after a difficult year in England where he found neither minutes nor continuity. He returned to Getafe with the hope of proving himself and showing his worth as an azulon — a dream that will have to wait at least another year.

Getafe are rallying around their player and will need to move in the market to cover a significant loss. Mawissa's challenge, for which he was sent off, has been described as 'criminal' and 'savage' by several national media outlets, and the anger within the Getafe camp is at its peak.