<
>

Oyongo issues statement after successful surgery

Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Cameroon defender Ambroise Oyongo has issued a statement from his hospital bed in Barcelona after undergoing successful surgery.

The Montreal Impact left-back ruptured his patellar tendon during the Indomitable Lions' 1-0 victory over Morocco on Saturday, an injury which rules him out of the upcoming Confederations Cup.

"It's with much joy that I announce that I was operated on successfully yesterday at the beginning of the afternoon in Barcelona," Oyongo wrote on his official Facebook account late on Wednesday evening. "As you are aware, I was the victim of a ruptured patellar tendon during the match between Cameroon and Morocco.

"I particularly thank the Cameroonian medial staff for their quick and efficient reaction," he continued. "Then also the federation officials in collaboration with those of Montreal Impact who made every effort to ensure that this operation could be a success."

Oyongo started every one of the Indomitable Lion's Africa Cup of Nations matches during their successful campaign in Gabon this year, further establishing himself as one of the continent's pre-eminent full-backs.

"I'd also like to thank my teammates -- my soldiers -- and the technical staff who comforted and encouraged me until my arrival in Barcelona," he added. "Actually, [I want to thank] everyone for your support, your encouragement and your prayers.

"I know what I need to do is to concentrate on healing as quickly as possible, as I am guaranteed your prayers and encouragement.

"I promise to give you regular news relating to the evolution of my health. I'm going to stay as solid as a rock."

Cameroon begin their Confederations Cup campaign against Chile in Moscow on Sunday, having also been drawn alongside Germany and Australia in Group B.