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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