Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné expected to be ruled out for four to five months due to fibula and tibia fractures after being injured by Qatar's Assem Madibo..

Canadian television network TSN reported on Friday that Canada international midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered fractures to his fibula and tibia on matchday two of the FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico after being brought down by Qatar player Assem Madibo, is expected to be ruled out for four to five months.

According to the report, Koné was immediately taken to the hospital after the injury and has successfully undergone surgery. He will now fully cooperate with the rehabilitation process.

The report also said that Madibo personally visited Koné in his hospital room after the surgery to sincerely apologize to him.

Following the surgery, Koné has reassured fans through his personal social media accounts. He wrote: “ALLAH has never let me down. Not even once in my life. So why should I doubt Him now, especially knowing this?”

“He knows everything, even foreseeing it before it happens. He has a plan and vision for each of us. This battle is a test of my faith and character.”

“To be honest, I am ready, because ALLAH never gives you an insurmountable challenge, and accepting the test is the best gift God can give. I feel all your love and support, and I am truly grateful.”

“You cannot imagine how grateful I am to everyone who cares about me and prays for me. I thank God for this, because not everyone is so fortunate.”

“To my Canadian brothers, I will be your spiritual assistant coach, cheering you on from the sidelines. I want you to know that I love you from the bottom of my heart, and our brotherhood is incredibly precious to me. I will forever remember everything you did yesterday.”

“I will be back soon, and we will continue to create many more wonderful memories together.”

Koné suffered a serious injury during the second matchday of the FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico group stage match during Canada's home fixture against Qatar.

In the 51st minute of the second half, Koné was brought down by Assim Madibo after passing the ball back from his own back half, resulting in a severe fracture of his calf. He had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher by medical personnel, and the referee immediately issued a red card to Madibo.

Qatar, plagued by misfortune throughout the match, was forced to finish the game with nine men and suffered a crushing 6-0 defeat.

About Ismaël Koné

The 24-year-old Koné was born on June 16, 2002, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He is 1.88 meters tall and primarily plays as a center midfielder, but can also play as an attacking midfielder or defensive midfielder, holding dual Ivorian and Canadian citizenship.

Having immigrated to Canada with his mother at the age of 7, Koné joined the youth academy of a local Montreal non-league club at a young age. In 2019, he won the Canadian U17s National Championship with the Saint-Laurent's youth academy team, earning him a trial opportunity with the Genk youth academy.

In 2020, Koné joined Montreal's youth academy. The following year, he participated in a trial in Bologna. Subsequently, he completed his Montreal first-team debut in a CONCACAF Champions League match in February 2022.

In January 2023, Koné joined Watford for £7 million.

During his year-and-a-half-spell with the Hornets, Koné helped the club avoid relegation twice.

In the summer of 2024, Koné joined Marseille for £15 million.

However, plagued by injuries and a falling out with then-head coach Roberto De Zerbi, Koné received very limited playing time.

On the 2025 winter transfer window deadline day, Koné was loaned-out to Rennes.

That same summer, Koné was loaned-out to Sassuolo, with his ownership later being permanently purchased.

Last season, Koné made 36 appearances for the Serie A club in all competitions, scoring 6 goals.

Internationally, Koné became a Canada international player in March 2022. So far, he has made 42 appearances for the Maple Leafs Team in all competitions, scoring 4 goals.

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