Afcon 2023: Injury worries as Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho doubtful for Nigeria

As the countdown to the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins, Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to join up with the Super Eagles in the UAE but there are doubts for Nigeria ahead of opener against Equatorial Guinea on 14 January.

The Nigerian International has been out of action for his English Championship side Leicester City for quite some time and the club manager Enzo Maresca released an update about him on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has played 19 games and scored five goals and provided one assist. He came on as a substitute against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day.

Although, Jose Peseiro has already released his final 25-man squad for the AFCON tournament but may have to do some juggling if the injury sustained by the forward does not heal on time.

“Kelechi had a muscle problem two days ago. We are still waiting to see if it’s something important or a matter of days. But I don’t think he will be able for the next one,” he said via the club website.

“We don’t know yet (if it will affect his Afcon call-up). It depends on the injury. If it’s an important injury, he has no chance to go. If it’s not important, he can go.”