Olympiacos: Esse out for six weeks – The games he will miss

A significant blow has occurred for Olympiacos with Santiago Hezze. Tests confirmed that the Argentine midfielder has suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his knee and is expected to be out of action for approximately six weeks.

How Hezze was injured

The 25-year-old midfielder was injured in the second half of the derby against PAOK at "Georgios Karaiskakis". After the blow he received to his knee, he could not continue and was forced to leave in the 56th minute, with Gustavo Puerta taking his place.

Immediately after the game, the medical staff's initial assessment indicated a problem with the medial collateral ligament. The MRI scan the player underwent confirmed the initial fears.

How long will he be out of action?

The recovery period is estimated at four to six weeks, with most estimates placing his return after the completion of the 2026 obligations. Hezze has already started treatment, with the medical staff monitoring his progress daily.

Given the current data, it is most likely that he will return to normal competitive rhythms at the beginning of the new year. Olympiacos will not rush his return, as such injuries require careful management to limit the risk of recurrence.

The games he is expected to miss

Hezze is very likely to miss all Olympiacos games until the winter break. In the Stoiximan Super League, the "red and whites" have to face Iraklis, Aris, AEK, Atromitos, and Panetolikos.

At the same time, the Argentine is expected to miss the European matches against Milan and Celje for the Europa League League Phase, as well as the Cup derby against Panathinaikos. In total, this amounts to eight matches in all competitions.

Alguacil's solutions in midfield

Hezze's absence significantly increases the responsibilities of Remo Freuler and Gustavo Puerta, who are expected to form the main midfield duo in the coming period.

Lorenzo Scipioni may get more opportunities in domestic games, while young Christos Filis, who has shown positive signs in his Cup appearances, is also available. Imanol Alguacil will now have to carefully manage his choices, as a demanding schedule in Greece and Europe follows.