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Former internationals Taribo West and Justice Christopher have said Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi’s injury has dealt a huge blow to Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr’s plans for the 2018 World Cup despite assurances by the player himself that he would be fit in time for the trip to Russia.
Ndidi, who has made 33 league appearances for the Foxes this season with four assists, is nursing a hamstring injury, which he sustained during Leicester’s 5-0 defeat to Crystal Palace two weeks ago. He has been ruled out of Wednesday’s EPL tie against Arsenal as well as the World Cup warm-up games against DR Congo in Port Harcourt on May 28 and against England at Wembley on June 2.
“It’s a very big blow to Nigeria. I didn’t know it was this serious. It’s definitely not good news for us because the player is one of our most consistent performers in the Premier League. He’s a key figure in the team and we hope he gains the required fitness before the World Cup,” 1998 and 2002 World Cups star Taribo said.
“It’s not always good to have one of your key players injured before  the World Cup. Ndidi is a great lad, we are all behind him as we pray towards making the journey to Russia with our best players.”
Former Royal Antwerp midfielder  Christopher also lamented Ndidi’s injury, describing the former Genk man as the Eagles’ “pillar”.
He believes the player’s injury will affect Rohr’s plans.
“Yes, he’s our pillar. These days once he doesn’t do well, it’s like the entire team isn’t doing well. So, he needs to be in top shape before the World Cup begins,” he said.
Christopher, who featured  at the 2002 World Cup, added, “Ndidi plays above average in every game, that’s how to know a committed player. He’s got the zeal, willpower and fighting spirit, which is evident always. I think he will get better; Nigerians shouldn’t be troubled. It would have been worse if he was completely ruled out of the World Cup.”
Ndidi, who was named as City’s Young Player of the Year last week, posted a picture of himself undergoing training on Monday, an indication he might be fit in time for the Mundial. “A sunny day to recuperate,” he wrote on his Twitter handle.
Spokesman for the Eagles Toyin Ibitoye also assured that the highly-rated defensive midfielder would be fit for the tournament starting June 14.
He said, “He’s making good progress, I have been in contact with the medical team (of the Eagles) and he is recovering faster than they had even anticipated. He may not play again for Leicester City this season, but he is likely to at least play our final friendly against Czech Republic (June 6).”

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