Foot Fracture Sidelines Club Brugge's Ordonez After Failed Palace Medical

Joel Ordonez faces an extended layoff after a foot injury worsened into a full fracture, ending hopes of a quick recovery and January transfer.

Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez is facing a longer spell out after suffering a fresh setback with a foot injury, according to HLN. The Ecuadorian had been carrying a slight foot problem while playing at the World Cup, and the issue has since developed into a full fracture.

Ordonez had appeared set to leave Club Brugge over the summer, with Crystal Palace keen to sign him and the Belgian club willing to sell as the player looked to advance his career. The move collapsed, however, when he failed his medical with the Premier League side.

Rather than undergo surgery, Club Brugge chose a less invasive recovery route in the hope that Ordonez would regain fitness and still secure a transfer. That approach has not paid off, leaving the defender with additional time on the sidelines.

His recovery is expected to keep him out until around the turn of the year. It remains unclear whether Crystal Palace will revive their interest in January, and any club monitoring him will likely want to see him back playing for Club Brugge first to demonstrate his fitness.