Influential Left-Back Ruled Out Of Algeria-Nigeria World Cup Qualifier

Algeria international Faouzi Ghoulam is not in contention to play against the Nigerian national team when both countries clash in an inconsequential World Cup qualifier in Constantine on Friday, November 10.

 The left-back suffered a serious knee injury in Napoli's 4-2 loss to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, which led to his substitution in the 31st minute.

The initial prognosis is that Ghoulam suffered pain in the cruciate ligaments  which could keep him on the sidelines for more than three months.

The French-born defender went the distance as the Desert Foxes lost 3-1 to Nigeria last November in Uyo.

This season, Ghoulam has recorded 17 appearances for Napoli in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing five assists.

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr omitted Chelsea's Victor Moses and Monaco loanee Elderson Echiejile from his roster due to injuries, while Odion Ighalo had to withdraw from the squad after spraining his knee last weekend.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : sscnapoli.it