Former Club Brugge forward Marc Degryse has cautioned that the Belgian side could struggle without the influence of Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika in the return leg against Atlético Madrid.

Onyedika played a pivotal role in the first leg on Wednesday, scoring once and registering an assist as Club Brugge battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Spanish side at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

However, the 24-year-old will miss the decisive second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid after picking up a yellow card with 14 minutes remaining in the match, triggering a suspension.

His absence presents a major headache for Club Brugge head coach Ivan Leko, who must now find a solution in midfield ahead of the crucial encounter in the Spanish capital.

Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, Degryse stressed the importance of the Super Eagles midfielder to Club Brugge's balance and defensive stability.

"Club will miss Onyedika. Ivan Leko will be a bit of a search," Degryse said. 

The former Belgium international, however, suggested a possible solution, backing Serbian youngster Aleksandar Stankovic to step into the holding midfield role.

"I think you can easily move Aleksandar Stankovic back a bit to that number six position. Granted, Stankovic is a bit weaker defensively than Onyedika. But he's comfortable on the ball and can distribute the play," he added. 

In his absence, Club Brugge will be aiming to secure a favourable result against the Rojiblancos and advance to the quarter-finals.