Former Nigeria international Victor Moses is devastated that he could be missing up to six months of action after suffering an Achilles tendon injury last Saturday during a Russian Premier League match for Spartak Moscow.

He is, however, consoled by the kind words and support he received from the club’s fans.

Moses ruptured his Achilles and was stretched off in pain after 33 minutes during Spartak’s 2-0 victory over Ural. He is set to undergo an operation that will keep him out for at least six months.

The setback is a blow to the former Chelsea and Liverpool player who had already notched two goals for Spartak in their opening four games of the season and while he is keeping the faith, he could not hide his disappointment.

Moses said via a post on Twitter.

“Devastated to have suffered an injury in the game at the weekend. I will be doing all I can to recover and get back fully fit as quickly as possible to help the team.

“I will be doing all I can to recover and get back fully fit as quickly as possible to help the team. Thank you so much to everyone at the club and all of the fans for your fantastic support. I’ll be back stronger,” he added.

Moses received well over seven thousand tweets wishing him well and to be strong.

He said: “I’m proud to be a part of Spartak. I received so many calls and tweets telling me to stay strong and that they are with me. They are a part of my success story here. I will be back stronger.”

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Moses’ injury is also a big loss for Spartak as he is a key member of the club that he joined, initially on loan in the 2020-21 season, before making a move permanent in the last campaign where he made 25 appearances while scoring two goals.

“Spartak midfielder Victor Moses, who was injured in the match of the fourth round of the Russian Premier League in Yekaterinburg, underwent a medical examination,” the club said via a statement on its website.

“The Nigerian was diagnosed with damage to the Achilles tendon. The player will have to undergo surgery. It will take about six months to recover from the injury. We wish Victor a speedy return to the field.”

Spartak are seeking a record 23rd league title, having started the new season brightly as they are second on the table with 10 points, same as cross-town rivals CSKA Moscow, with both teams winning three and drawing one match so far.

Moses’ wonder goal in the draw away to Akhmat Grozny is actually what has kept Spartak abreast of its arch-rival.

The goal also earned him Man of the Match their first league game in the Russia new term.

After coming on in the 78th minute, Moses equalized for Spartak Moscow with seven minutes left with a wonder strike.

A floated ball into the box was headed away by an Akhmat Grozny player which went straight to Moses.

The former Chelsea star, who was just outside the opponent’s box, chested the clearance before hitting a left-foot volley which sailed into the net with the keeper stranded.

Moses said he seemed to have a connection with Grozny. Last season, he netted a 78 minutes equalizer to earn Spartak 2-2 away.

“I remember that goal and the match very well. It coincided with an event I will never forget. I met a Nigerian woman at the hotel that Spartak were in. I didn’t expect to find a Nigerian waitress in a hotel that was so far away from my homeland. She was also glad, she said she loves football very much and knows me from my performances for Chelsea and the Nigerian national team. In that situation, it seemed right to help her with her finances. I don’t think she gets a lot of money from her humble job in Grozny. It’s customary in Nigeria to support your own people. I hope my gesture made her life a bit easier.”

Marking his third season in Moscow, Moses said he has a very high impression of the country and the city of Moscow.

“I fell in love with Moscow, it’s a wonderful city. I’ve been to different restaurants – Italian, Japanese, all sorts. I’ve walked around Red Square, around the center of the city. In the winter it’s very cold of course, but the warm days are sufficient.”

He is also committed to the club in spite of the rumour mill that he wanted out of Russia due to the ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

“Spartak was and is one of the best clubs in Russia; this is obvious. We have started well and are on top of the table. It’s important that things have improved lately. Now we need to continue enjoying the game and gain as many points as we can.

Football is my life. I am always faithful to it. The season started off roughly not just for me, but for the whole team. We are gradually improving, and I will do everything in my power to make the team happy in May. Why not set yourself the goal of making this season even more successful than the previous one?”