Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is a significant concern for the Super Eagles’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad in Ivory Coast.
Iheanacho missed inclusion in Leicester’s matchday squad for the away victory at Cardiff City on Friday night due to a muscle injury suffered during the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Boxing Day.
His manager, Enzo Maresca, revealed after the game that the versatile forward is still being assessed.
Maresca admitted that if it proves to be serious, the 27-year-old will not be able to travel out to Ivory Coast to represent Nigeria in the AFCON.
“Kelechi has a muscle problem two days ago,” Maresca told reporters.
“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 (against Huddersfield).
“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.”
Iheanacho and Foxes teammate Wilfred Ndidi were named in Jose Peseir0’s 25-man Eagles squad for the AFCON on Friday.
The former Manchester City man could now be replaced in the squad with his fitness in doubt with players like Terem Moffi and Gift Orban eyeing a first appearance at the continental
showpiece.
