Manager Eric Chelle reportedly considered calling up Tochukwu Nnadi for Nigeria's back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the recent friendly against Russia.
However, according to Marseille-based newspaper La Provence, via Footmarseille, the midfielder opted to remain at Marseille to continue his rehabilitation rather than join the Super Eagles squad.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the outer part of his meniscus during Marseille's Ligue 1 clash against Monaco on August 30.
Although surgery could have kept him out for several months, Nnadi chose a conservative approach focused on strengthening his thigh muscles to improve stability around the affected knee.
Before the international break, Chelle and Marseille's coaching staff exchanged messages several times about the midfielder's possible involvement.
However, Nnadi, who was not yet fully fit, preferred to continue his recovery in France.
His decision appears to have paid off as he is now in contention to be named in Marseille's matchday squad for Sunday’s trip to Troyes.
Nnadi featured for 45 minutes in a friendly against Montpellier last weekend without experiencing discomfort, marking another positive step in his recovery.
His chances of featuring from the start could be boosted by the absence of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, while Himad Abdelli is also carrying a knock.Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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