AIK could be without Lucas Assadi for the upcoming top-of-the-table clash against Malmö FF. Sporting director Mika Takkula told Aftonbladet on Thursday that the Chilean signing is still waiting for his work permit.
Assadi has not received clearance and therefore cannot train with the squad. He is physically ready, but the paperwork is outside the club's control. Takkula called the situation frustrating and said it is unclear when the process will be completed.
How does the injury situation affect the defence?
AIK's centre-back options have been hit hard. Sotirios Papagiannopoulos recently underwent knee surgery in Finland. Ibrahim Cissé is also injured. Mika Takkula gave a clear prognosis for both players.
"If I'm to be realistic, they probably won't play again this season, as things stand," Takkula said. This was a reason why AIK brought in Sebastian Hausner on loan from AC Horsens for depth. According to our injuries page, Dino Beširović is also out with an unknown recovery time.
When can Lucas Assadi make his debut?
Assadi's situation is separate from the injuries. He has played the entire season in Chile and is match-fit. The problem is purely administrative. Takkula explained the player can start training immediately when the permit arrives.
"He doesn't need a run-in period," the sporting director said. Assadi is currently only allowed to train individually. AIK hope he can join team training next week, but the match against Malmö FF on September 6th comes too soon.
What is AIK's position in the standings?
The injury worries come at a crucial stage of the season. AIK currently sit in seventh place in Allsvenskan, according to the latest standings. The team has 28 points after 21 rounds. The goal of a top finish and European qualification remains within reach, but the squad's thin depth is a challenge.
To handle the tough autumn schedule, players from across the squad will need to step up. Sebastian Hausner gets an immediate chance to prove himself in defence. Other key players like Victor Andersson and Alexander Fesshaie will carry greater responsibility.
What's next for AIK?
Immediately ahead is the away match against Malmö FF at Stadion on September 6th. It's a big game for both teams at the top of the table. After that, a home match against IFK Norrköping awaits on September 20th. All upcoming fixtures can be followed on our fixtures page.
AIK's management is actively working to resolve Assadi's permit and monitoring the rehabilitation of the injured players. Sebastian Hausner's loan deal from AC Horsens runs for the remainder of the 2026 Allsvenskan season.
