PHOTO CREDIT: File photos / Super Eagles media – Christantus Uche, Umar Sadiq, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Zaidu Sanusi.
INJURY CRISIS HITS SUPER EAGLES STARS IN EUROPE
No fewer than six Super Eagles players have been sidelined with injuries at a critical time when European clubs are settling into the new season and finalizing their pecking order. The timing is a major blow for both club and country ahead of September’s international window.

Christantus Uche – Out for the season
Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious right knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Monaco on August 6. The 23-year-old was stretchered off after a reckless studs-up tackle from Monaco’s Christian Mawissa which caused multiple ligament and meniscus tears. He has already undergone successful surgery.

The setback comes after a tough loan spell at Crystal Palace last season where he managed just 22 appearances. He will now miss Nigeria’s qualifying double-header and likely the tournament finals.

Sadiq Umar – Hamstring blow
Valencia striker Sadiq Umar picked up a right hamstring injury after scoring in Valencia’s 3-1 win over Deportivo de La Coruña last weekend. The 29-year-old, who had just played the full 90 minutes and was pushing for a regular starting role, reported to training limping on Monday.

Valencia confirmed he will follow a tailored treatment and rehabilitation programme at the club’s training ground but did not give a return date, leaving his availability for the September qualifiers uncertain.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Thigh tear
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru suffered a right thigh tear during Lazio’s 1-0 Serie A win over Bologna and was forced off in the 54th minute. He is expected to be out for at least three weeks.

The injury is ill-timed as the 25-year-old had just earned a starting spot under coach Gennaro Gattuso after an impressive pre-season. He is set to miss games against Genoa, Udinese, AC Milan and possibly Venezia, with his Super Eagles call-up also in doubt.

Zaidu Sanusi – Two months out
Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi faces about two months on the sidelines after tests confirmed an adductor injury to his right leg sustained in the 17th minute of Porto’s 3-0 win over Académico de Viseu. Coach Francesco Farioli described it as “something very serious.”

Sanusi had started every minute of Porto’s league campaign before the injury. The 29-year-old will definitely miss Nigeria’s September qualifiers.

Tochukwu Nnadi – Knee concern
Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi picked up a knee injury in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Monaco. The 23-year-old, who only made his Super Eagles debut this year, is yet to nail down a regular spot under new coach Bruno Genesio, and the injury could also affect a potential late move before the transfer deadline.

Yira Sor – Hamstring setback
Amedspor winger Yira Sor has been ruled out for six weeks with a Grade 2B hamstring injury (11cm tear in his left biceps femoris). The 26-year-old had just joined from Genk for €3m and had scored the equaliser in Amedspor’s 2-1 comeback win over Trabzonspor before picking up the injury.
SOURCE: Punch Nigeria