'Knows exactly what to do' - Antwerp coach reveals Yusuf is certainly an option to replace injured Keita
Published: October 25, 2023
Speaking at the pre-match press conference before Antwerp's UEFA Champions League meeting with Porto, manager Mark van Bommel confirmed that Alhassan Yusuf is 'certainly one of the options' to replace Belgium international Mandela Keita.
Mark van Bommel will not be able to count on the services of the influential defensive midfielder on Wednesday due to the injury he suffered in the first half of the Jupiler Pro League tie against RSC Charleroi last weekend.
Yusuf has been playing a bit part role for Antwerp since recovering a muscle injury in March 2023 and has not started a game for the Belgian champions since two and a half months ago when he logged ninety minutes at RSC Anderlecht.
The absence of Mandela Keita could pave the way for the Nigerian to make his full Champions League debut after coming off the bench in his two previous matches against Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk.
In quotes relayed by Het Laatste Nieuws, Van Bommel said: "Yusuf played everything before his injury, until the winter break. Then 'Mandy' joined the selection, also because Yusuf was still injured.
"But I have to say: Yusuf always trains well. Not exactly obvious for someone who was first a starter and then didn't start for a long time.
"He is certainly one of the options in that position. And when he plays, he knows exactly what to do."
Antwerp are looking for their first win in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League after losses to Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi is recovering from a muscle-related injury and was not named in Porto's traveling squad to Belgium.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: royalantwerpfc.be
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'He will change a lot of things for Chelsea' - Gianfranco Zola reveals Osimhen is tailor-made for PL
- Alejandro Garnacho beats Shoretire, 7 others to win Manchester United Goal of the Month
- Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface gunning for fourth consecutive Bundesliga award
- Taiwo Awoniyi nominated for Fans' Footballer of the Year 2023 award
- Arsenal loanee Okonkwo to undergo further examinations to determine severity of jaw injury
- 'Ministry played a role in that employment' - Sports Minister confirms Peseiro's future will be determined after AFCON
- Penalty or no penalty? Italy and Inter Milan great Bergomi has his say on incident involving Osimhen
- Super Eagles-eligible winger joins Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham stars in BBC's PL TOTW
- Gift Orban shows he's more than a goalscorer in Gent's 2-2 draw with Genk
- Fifa U17 World Cup: Germany's Brunner follows in the footsteps of Iheanacho; Ruberto emulates Osimhen


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football