Recently, according to Shenhua team reports, Gai, who underwent Achilles tendon repair surgery, has returned to the training base to begin early-stage rehabilitation. It remains undecided whether he will continue his recovery in Shanghai or abroad, a matter that has drawn significant attention from fans.
During the crucial May Day match against Chengdu Rongcheng, Gai injured his left foot while contesting a header in the second half, later diagnosed as a left Achilles tendon rupture. He underwent surgery on May 4. Standing at 1.95 meters, the striker was a key addition to Shenhua’s attack this season, boosting their offensive power. Shenhua currently ranks among the top three in Chinese Super League (CSL) goal-scoring. According to third-party statistics, Gai scored five goals and provided two assists in nine appearances. Based on current information, his league stats for this season are likely finalized.
With Gai sidelined, Shenhua fans are now looking toward Asue, who is on loan to Leganés in Spain’s Segunda División. This is largely due to Mineiro’s recurring injuries. Mineiro was injured during an AFC Champions League match, returned after a two-game rest against Beijing Guoan, but got hurt again after just 70 minutes. Ahead of the 11th round, coach Slutsky said Mineiro would play, but he suffered another injury in the final training session. In effect, he has only played 70 minutes across 11 matches, leaving fans to joke that he plays one game and rests ten. It is unclear whether he will feature in the away match against Yunnan Yukun. If not, fans hope he might return by the next round or before the summer transfer window opens.
Speaking of the summer window, loanee Asue has come to mind again after scoring another goal in Spain’s Segunda División. He now has two goals in the league. Although his loan deal runs until June 30, 2026, the CSL summer transfer window opens on June 18, meaning he could return early after Segunda’s final round on June 1, at home against Mirandés. Asue has shown his quality, making 13 appearances (two starts) and scoring two goals in Spanish professional football. Having avoided major injuries for several consecutive seasons, he could offer reliable attacking reinforcement.
