Nigeria injury watch: Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong battling muscle injury before WCQs

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle is sweating over the fitness of William Troost-Ekong, less than three weeks before he announces his first roster as coach of the three-time African champions, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Tottenham Hotspur academy product is undoubtedly part of the Franco-Malian coach’s plans for next month’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda’s Wasps and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.

However, it is expected that Chelle will continue monitoring the fitness of Troost-Ekong before making a final decision on whether to include him in the squad for the back-to-back matches. 

Troost-Ekong has not featured for Al-Kholood Club since he suffered an injury in a Saudi Pro League clash against 
Al-Orobah FC on February 14.

His absence from the squads for the league matches against Al-Wehda and Al-Hilal was a result of a muscle injury he picked up during the match against Al-Orobah.

Troost-Ekong did not participate in Al-Kholood's last training session in Riyadh on Monday, in preparation for the match against Al-Hilal.

This season, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations standout player started all the league matches contested by Al-Kholood prior to his spell on the sidelines, registering three goal involvements (2 goals, 1 assist) while logging 1,780 minutes. 

Besides Troost-Ekong, doubts remain over the fitness of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) leading up to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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