Concern for Eric Chelle and Fulham as Chukwueze is still recovering from calf injury

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle faces a potential setback ahead of next month's crucial World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon, with Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze still recovering from an injury sustained earlier this month.

Chukwueze was unavailable for selection in Fulham's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend after sustaining a calf injury while on international duty during Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin's Cheetahs on October 14.

Scans have revealed that the injury is worse than initially feared, with Fulham boss Marco Silva confirming during his pre-match press conference on Thursday that the AC Milan loanee will not travel to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Providing an injury update, the Portuguese tactician revealed that while some players have returned to contention, others, including Chukwueze, remain sidelined.

When asked if there was any positive injury news in his squad, Silva said: "Some good news or fresh news, and some others not so good, unfortunately for us. 

"Starting from the back, Kenny was already involved in the last game – not 100 per cent, but he was already on the bench. He has had a good week so far and he is going to be in contention for the game.

"Joachim Andersen, as we expected and as I mentioned after the match, has a muscle injury. It's not so serious, but he is going to be out and not available for the Newcastle match, Antonee Robinson neither, as well, and all the others still the same. Chukwueze is still out, Rodrigo out."

When asked about potential return dates for Chukwueze and Rodrigo Muniz, Silva revealed that the Brazilian is expected to be back in action ahead of the Nigerian.

"No, difficult. I believe that Rodrigo is going to be closer than Chukwueze right now."

Chelle surely has Chukwueze in his plans for the World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon and will be monitoring the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner's situation closely before announcing his squad in the coming days.

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