Injury blow for Nigeria: Dessers all but ruled out of WCQ playoffs, replaced in Panathinaikos UEL squad

Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers is highly unlikely to feature for Nigeria in next month's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs in Morocco due to ongoing fitness issues, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The former Rangers forward was originally named in the Super Eagles’ squad for the October internationals against Lesotho and Benin, but was forced to withdraw after failing to recover from an ankle injury.

Dessers sustained the injury during the second half of Panathinaikos' Europa League clash with Young Boys, and further assessments have revealed that the problem is more serious than initially feared. 

The setback is expected to keep him sidelined for at least one month, effectively ruling him out of Nigeria's crucial playoff tie against Gabon.

If his rehabilitation goes as planned, Dessers could return to action in Panathinaikos' final match before the November international break, a high-profile derby against PAOK on November 9, just four days before the Super Eagles' meeting with the Panthers.

Given that the striker would be short of match fitness, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is unlikely to risk including him in the squad for the decisive qualifiers.

Panathinaikos have moved quickly to adjust their Europa League squad, registering Serbia international Milos Pantovic as a temporary replacement for the injured Nigerian forward.

UEFA regulations state that in the event of a long-term injury or illness to an outfield player during the league phase, up to and including matchday 6, the club concerned may temporarily replace a maximum of one outfield player and register a new one.

An injury or illness is considered long-term if it lasts for at least 60 days from the date it occurred.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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