Super Eagles CB Troost-Ekong left out of PAOK gameday squad after playing in pain at 2023 AFCON

Best Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, William Troost-Ekong is not at the disposal of PAOK Thessaloniki coach Răzvan Lucescu for the league meeting with their bitter rivals Olympiakos on Sunday evening.

Lucescu has announced his gameday squad for the matchday 23 clash at the Toumba Stadium and the Super Eagles assistant captain has not made the cut. 

PAOK, through their official website, have confirmed that Troost-Ekong is undergoing a rehabilitation program after returning to Nea Mesimvria following his commitments with the Nigeria national team at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The press release added that the Nigerian central defender has been uncomfortable since the first game of the Africa Cup of Nations and his condition will be assessed daily.

Troost-Ekong was forced to play through the pain barrier in the last four games contested by Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, after suffering a knock in the second round of matches in Group A against Ivory Coast. 

The 30-year-old became Nigeria's top-scoring defender in AFCON history, overtaking the legendary Stephen Keshi, after opening the scoring with a powerful header in the final against the Elephants.

Troost-Ekong is being linked with a summer departure from PAOK, with unnamed clubs in Saudi Arabia interested in acquiring his services on the back of his outstanding performance for Nigeria at the AFCON.

The former Watford and Udinese man has a contract with PAOK until the end of the 2025-2026 season. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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