Leganes defender Omeruo has not played in the last 4 Segunda games due to a groin injury. He last featured against Real Zaragoza on March 11
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles are likely to be without experienced defender Kenneth Omeruo when they take on The Black Stars of Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier next week.
According to as.com, the 28-year-old Leganes centre-back has not played in the last four Segunda league games due to groin injury.
Omeruo last featured for the La Liga outfit against Real Zaragoza on February 11 and he is expected to miss their next two clashes against Sporting Gijon and Las Palmas.
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Though he has been called up by Nigeria’s coach Austin Eguavoen, the game against Las Palmas is for March 28, meaning he will not be back in time to play against Ghana in the World cup playoff too.
“Omeruo’s case, Nigeria has already called him up but his groin problems could keep him out of the national team. In this scenario, he could also be absent against Las Palmas precisely because of these physical problems,” reads a report in as.com
His absence will be a huge blow for Nigeria given the fact that his replacement, William Troost-Ekong has been an unused substitute for the second half of this season by Premier League side, Watford.
Ekong has not played a game since returning from the African Cup of Nations, but another centre-back, Leon Balogun has returned in time from injury and is likely to pair the Hornets defender.
Nigeria will play the first leg of the double-header World Cup qualifier against West African neighbour and arch rival Ghana, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi on March 25.
The second leg will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja four days later and Eguavoen is expected to name a replacement for Omeruo before the team moves into camp.