Everton coach provides worrying injury update on Iwobi ahead of Nigeria squad announcement 

Manager Sean Dyche has provided a worrying update on the injury suffered by Alex Iwobi during Everton's Premier League meeting with Aston Villa last weekend. 

Four minutes into the second half, Iwobi went to the ground clutching his leg and was unable to continue with Everton trailing 2-0.

Dyche has revealed that the Hale End Academy graduate faces 'a few weeks' on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. which is a big blow to the Super Eagles coaching staff ahead of the squad announcement for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against São Tomé and Príncipe  on September 10 in Uyo.

Given the timescale provided by the Everton boss, Iwobi is unlikely to be given the medical clearance to report for international duty in the first week of September. 

Although Nigeria have already qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles coaching staff intend to use the game against São Tomé and Príncipe as part of their build-up for the AFCON which begins in January plus the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference before Everton's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park, Dyche said: "Al (Iwobi) unfortunately hurt his hamstring, I think that was obvious to all. It's not going to be days, probably a few weeks, we'll wait and see as it heals". 

Iwobi's run of 52 consecutive starts in the Premier League will surely come to an end on matchday three of the new season. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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