Why Moses Usor’s injury record could make Manchester City and others hesitate

Moses Usor’s first Nigeria goal has increased interest in the LASK attacker, but any club considering a significant transfer fee is likely to examine his injury history closely.

The 24-year-old came off the bench to score the winner as the Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1 last week, marking an impressive debut for Nigeria and raising his profile internationally.

However, Usor’s progress did not begin with that appearance. He has been an important player for LASK since last season, offering pace, direct running and the ability to attack defenders.

His statistics have also strengthened his case. Usor finished last season with 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 games in all competitions. If he maintains that level, major clubs could be monitoring his situation in the coming months.

There is, though, an important consideration for potential suitors.

Usor’s knee problems will be examined

Usor suffered a cruciate ligament injury in October 2024 and was out for around 265 days. The absence meant he missed 35 matches.

He then experienced another knee setback in 2026, when he sustained a meniscus tear. That record is likely to be a key issue for any club weighing up a major investment.

Usor’s style depends on explosive acceleration, sharp changes of direction and running directly at defenders. Those movements place significant pressure on the knees, making his long-term fitness an important factor in any transfer assessment.

He currently wears a band just below his left knee when playing. It is used to monitor his knees rather than as a fashion accessory, underlining the need for clubs to assess the potential risk of another injury.

Top clubs aware of his history are likely to carry out extensive medical checks before committing to a deal. Victor Boniface provides a recent example of how such concerns can affect a transfer. AC Milan were interested in signing him last year but withdrew after issues relating to his injury record.

Major move remains possible

Usor’s previous injuries do not necessarily prevent him from securing a high-profile transfer. Football has produced several examples of players recovering from serious knee problems and later completing major moves.

Florian Wirtz suffered a cruciate ligament tear in March 2022 and spent several months out of action. He returned to become one of Europe’s leading young players, helping Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga before moving to Liverpool for £100 million in 2025, with the fee potentially rising to £116 million through add-ons.

Leroy Sane also joined Bayern Munich in a major transfer after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury during his time at Manchester City.

For Usor, the priority is now to remain fit while preserving the pace and directness that make him an attractive prospect. His displays for LASK have already demonstrated his ability, while his Nigeria debut has provided another stage.

His goal against Madagascar strengthened the argument for his potential. The next test will be whether he can produce consistently and put together a long run of appearances without another serious setback. The longer he stays healthy and productive, the easier it will be for clubs to look beyond his medical history.