Kelechi Iheanacho just isn’t totally match to characteristic on the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, Saturday PUNCH stories.
The Leicester Metropolis striker missed the Foxes final two video games because of a muscular harm, which the English Championship membership are nonetheless making an attempt to evaluate the severity.
In response to Leicester Metropolis coach, Enzo Maresca, the Nigerian ahead is recuperating properly however he’s nonetheless not 100 per cent.
“I don’t know if Iheanacho can play at AFCON,” Maresca mentioned throughout a pre-match convention on Friday.
“The one factor I can say is that Kele (Iheanacho) remains to be injured. He’s getting higher however nonetheless not 100 per cent, in any other case he could be within the squad for tomorrow (right now).”
Maresca’s feedback comes after the President of the Nigerian Soccer Federation, Ibrahim Gusau expressed optimistism that Iheanacho will be a part of the Eagles squad in Lagos on January 9 forward of the event.
The Eagles are anticipated to be hosted to a dinner in Lagos on January 9 earlier than departing for the Ivoirian capital, Abidjan the next day.
“I’ve spoken to Iheanacho, he’s recovering quick and has even began operating. He’ll most probably be a part of us in Lagos, the place the workforce shall be hosted to a dinner on January 9,” Gusau advised reporters in Abuja.
Nigeria will open their AFCON marketing campaign on January 14 in opposition to Equatorial Guinea earlier than they face Ivory Coast 4 days. Their last Group A fixture is in opposition to Guinea-Bissau on January 22.
In the meantime, Nigerian midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who withdrew from the Eagles AFCON squad shall be out of motion for not less than three months because of a muscle harm
In response to Leicester Metropolis coach Enzo Maresca, it’ll take a very long time earlier than he totally recovers.
He’s anticipated to overlook 15 of the Foxes’ remaining 20 league video games this season.
“The gamers who’re injured are all progressing properly, “Jamie Vardy, Kasey McAteer, Dennis Praet, Will Alves, Kele (Kelechi Iheanacho) and Wilfred Ndidi. They’re nonetheless in the identical scenario.
“Most likely for Wilf it will likely be a very long time. It may very well be three months. It appears to be like like a muscle downside, however an necessary one. We’ll see within the subsequent hours. The scenario for Wilf is the clearest one.”