No chance of Slavia Prague star featuring against Arsenal or Nigeria v Gabon WCQ playoff

Slavia Prague have been dealt a significant setback with confirmation that key defender Igoh Ogbu will play no part in the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The development also sidelines the 25-year-old from Nigeria's World Cup qualifying playoff with Gabon next week, with Slavia manager Jindřich Trpišovský revealing that Ogbu has not recovered in time for Tuesday's fixture at the Fortuna Arena.

With Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle expected to unveil his squad for the November qualifiers next week, Ogbu will not be in contention for selection, having been out of action for over two months.

The centre-back last featured for Slavia Prague in their Czech Chance League match against Mladá Boleslav on August 30.

Ogbu has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to a persistent hamstring injury, missing twelve consecutive matches for Slavia and sitting out Nigeria's last four internationals against Rwanda, South Africa, Lesotho and Benin.

The former Lillestrøm defender was the subject of interest from several clubs during the summer transfer window but opted to extend his stay in Prague, aiming to make his Champions League debut this season, a goal that has been derailed by his ongoing fitness troubles.

Providing a squad update before the visit of Arsenal, Slavia coach Trpišovský told the club's official website: "David Douděra, he was supposed to return only on Tuesday. Hopefully he could be ready for Arsenal. 

"As for the others, they won't be for Arsenal, apart from Mbodji. We'll see who will be for Plzeň, it's only in eight days. Get well "Anyone can."

Ogbu represented Nigeria on three occasions during the summer, starting both matches in their Unity Cup triumph in May and making a substitute appearance in a high-profile friendly against Russia the following month.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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