Bordeaux coach éric Bedouet has explained that Samuel Kalu was excused from training this week in order not to aggravate the ailment he was suffering from before the winger reports for international duty in ten days time.

The Nigeria international was missing from Bordeaux workout on Thursday due to a throat infection ahead of this weekend's clash against Olympique Lyonnais.

''Samuel Kalu ? His problem concerns more the throat,'' Bedouet said at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

''We haven’t taken any risk this week as he travels everywhere with his national team and as it’s his first call ups, his  physical and psychological state have to be considered. So we don’t take risk, he doesn’t train.''

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr was a player of Bordeaux for twelve years and managed the club after his retirement.

He still maintains close ties with Les Girondins and was invited for their Europa League qualifier against Ventspils in August.

Kalu will win his fourth competitive cap for the Super Eagles if he features against South Africa on November 17.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel