Dele-Bashiru Injury Worries Eric Chelle
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been handed a fresh concern after the Dele-Bashiru injury suffered during Lazio’s opening Serie A match of the 2026/27 season.
The Nigeria international was forced off in the second half of Lazio’s 1-0 victory over Bologna. With Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau approaching, Chelle will be hoping the midfielder can recover quickly.
The injury has already affected Dele-Bashiru’s expected return to action for Lazio, adding further uncertainty over his availability for Nigeria.
Dele-Bashiru Injury Setback Delays Lazio Return
Dele-Bashiru started Lazio’s victory over Bologna in midfield but was unable to complete the match. He was substituted in the 54th minute, with Davide Frattesi coming on as his replacement.
The midfielder had initially been expected to return for Lazio’s meeting with AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
However, according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Dele-Bashiru has suffered a setback in his recovery and is now unlikely to feature against the Rossoneri.
That development leaves the Nigerian racing against time to regain full fitness.
Chelle Faces Midfield Selection Concern
The Dele-Bashiru injury could become a significant issue for Chelle as he prepares Nigeria for the upcoming international fixtures.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in AFCON qualifying matches. Nigeria will also have an international friendly against Russia during the same period.
Therefore, Chelle will want as many key players as possible available when he names his squad.
Dele-Bashiru’s versatility and midfield qualities could make him an important option for the coach. However, his current fitness situation means his inclusion could depend on how quickly he responds to treatment.
When Could Dele-Bashiru Return?
The Lazio midfielder will reportedly be targeting next week’s league fixture against Venezia at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo as a possible return date.
If he is unable to recover in time for that match, his comeback could be pushed beyond the international break.
That would leave Chelle with less time to assess the player’s condition before Nigeria’s crucial fixtures.
For now, the focus will be on Dele-Bashiru’s recovery and whether he can return to competitive action without suffering another setback.
Conclusion
The Dele-Bashiru injury is an unwelcome development for Eric Chelle as Nigeria prepare for a crucial period of international football.
The midfielder’s potential absence would give the Super Eagles another selection issue to consider ahead of their AFCON qualifiers. However, a return against Venezia could still give Chelle hope that Dele-Bashiru will be available for Nigeria.
The coming days should provide a clearer picture of his recovery and whether he can make the squad for the upcoming international fixtures.
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