Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis has visited Ayoub El Kaabi in hospital after the striker suffered a serious leg injury during Saturday’s Greek Super League clash with Volos.
The Nottingham Forest owner shared a photograph from the hospital showing him alongside the Morocco international as he begins his recovery from an injury that could potentially threaten his career.
Marinakis used the visit to reassure the 33-year-old forward that he has the full backing of the Olympiacos hierarchy, players, staff and supporters.
Striker left screaming in agony
El Kaabi was injured towards the end of the first half while attempting to move towards the Volos goal.
Volos goalkeeper Marios Siampanis came off his line to challenge the striker and threw himself into his path.
The collision left El Kaabi with a severe injury to his leg, prompting an immediate stoppage in play.
The Olympiacos forward remained on the ground and raised his arm towards the bench, signalling that he urgently needed medical attention.
His screams could reportedly be heard throughout the stadium as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.
El Kaabi was eventually carried away on a stretcher, while Siampanis appeared visibly distressed by the incident and was seen covering his face with his gloves.
Olympiacos president offers emotional message
Marinakis later posted a photograph of himself at El Kaabi’s bedside, accompanying it with a message of encouragement for the club’s star striker.
He told El Kaabi that the entire Olympiacos family would remain behind him throughout his recovery and praised his strength and winning mentality.
Marinakis also revealed that the striker’s surgery had gone well, while stressing that his immediate priority should be recovering properly before considering a return to football.
The Olympiacos president added that the club would provide El Kaabi with the highest level of care and support for as long as necessary.
El Kaabi confirms successful surgery
El Kaabi has since confirmed that he underwent surgery following the injury and expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him.
Writing on Instagram, the forward said the procedure, carried out by an Olympiacos team doctor, had been successful.
He thanked Marinakis, the coaching staff, his teammates and the wider support team for standing by him, while also acknowledging the messages and prayers he had received from Olympiacos supporters.
El Kaabi struck an optimistic tone about his recovery, saying he hoped to return to the pitch stronger.
Golden Boot winner faces lengthy recovery
The injury comes as a major setback for a player who enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season.
El Kaabi finished as the Greek Super League’s leading scorer and collected the Golden Boot, establishing himself as one of Olympiacos’ most important attacking players.
His absence is therefore likely to be keenly felt by the club as they attempt to regain the domestic title.
Olympiacos chasing another league crown
Olympiacos, the record 48-time Greek champions, entered the new campaign determined to reclaim the title after AEK Athens finished above them last season.
The club has made a mixed start to its latest title campaign, sitting third in the standings after three matches.
They are currently two points behind early leaders Panetolikos as the race for the Greek Super League crown begins to take shape.
