No green light from Panathinaikos medics for Super Eagles striker Dessers to return to action

The medical team of Panathinaikos has not yet cleared Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers to return to action after the injury he sustained in the second half of the Europa League clash with Young Boys nine days ago, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The former Rangers man has been named in Nigeria's final squad for a pair of World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin, but his participation is now in serious doubt. 

Panathinaikos concluded preparations for Sunday's Super League home fixture against Atromitos with an afternoon training session at the G. Kalafatis complex. 

Following the workout, the club confirmed that the 30-year-old forward is still undergoing treatment.

Dessers also missed Friday's session and has consequently been left out of manager Christos Kontis' matchday squad to face Atromitos.

With Dessers yet to regain full fitness, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle faces a selection dilemma and may be forced to consider naming a replacement. 

The Nigerian international made his cap-tying appearance last month when he came off the bench to replace the injured Victor Osimhen.

Although Panathinaikos are obligated under Fifa regulations to release Dessers to the Nigeria Football Federation, they are also within their rights to block him from travelling to South Africa if medical assessments confirm he is not fit to play.

For the October internationals, Chelle has also named Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare as the other recognised strikers in his 23-man squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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