FC Cincinnati announced on Wednesday that Aaron Boupendza would miss 6-8 weeks with a broken jaw suffered in an “off-field” incident.
There was no indication exactly what may have happened to the Designated Player striker — until the following day.
Multiple reports have stated Boupendza was injured in an altercation outside a bar in downtown Cincinnati in the early hours of Monday morning.
Police told The Cincinnati Enquirer that the Gabon international reported he was punched in the face by an unknown suspect on Monday at around 2 a.m.
The Athletic confirmed Boupendza suffered his injury in an altercation outside a bar, adding that the latest incident makes it more likely that FC Cincy will look to move the striker as soon as possible.
On Friday, The Athletic also reported that the suspect is local professional boxer Quashawn Toler.
An injury update on Aaron Boupendza: pic.twitter.com/Z8fUfuz8sT
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) May 1, 2024
Boupendza has had a rocky time since joining Cincinnati last summer in a $7 million transfer from Saudi club Al-Shabab.
The striker scored six goals in 14 games for FC Cincy last season, but was also suspended by the team late in the regular season after returning late from international duty.
This season, Boupendza has found himself in and out of the club’s starting lineup, scoring two goals in 10 total MLS appearances.
Boupendza is signed to a contract through 2025, with options for both 2026 and 2027.
[lawrence-related id=66280,66165,66190]