KAA Gent of Belgium winger, Moses Simon has been ruled out of the World Cup as well as Monday’s international friendly against DR Congo, after copping a knock in training with the Super Eagles in Uyo.
Simon has been riddled with a spate of injuries all season long, during which time he also missed a couple of matches with the Eagles, such that his chances of making the squad to Russia have now been further limited after copping a relapse on Thursday.
The situation got scarier, as Simon sat out Friday morning’s training on the sidelines with a big ice pack on his thigh, as well as close attention from the medical staff, until late Sunday he was all together ruled out the World Cup.
Consequently, Simon will not travel with the Eagles to London for the friendly against England, let alone the World Cup in Russia, following a confirmation by Eagles’ boss, Gernot Rohr in Port Harcourt.
“It is unfortunate Moses Simon will not be traveling with the team on Tuesday because he is down with an injury. The nature of his injury is such that he won’t be recovering quickly enough to make the World Cup,” Rohr added.
It means only 29 players are left in the race to represent Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia, but the Franco-German tactician is expected to drop four more players after Monday’s friendly game against DR Congo.
Alongside Simon, Bursaspor of Turkey defender, Shehu Abdullahi did not take part, as they are both said to be carrying knocks picked up in action for their respective clubs.
They had a session with the physiotherapist while their teammates engaged in a training game which ended 1-1 with Simy Nwankwo and Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the goals.
Another player battling fitness issues, William Troost-Ekong went under the Masseur’s treatment and it is not sure if he would be fit in time for the game billed for Port Harcourt.
Furthermore, Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi continued his special training on the sidelines but participated in a light workout with the rest of the team later in the training session.
Ndidi is the other Eagles Player who didn’t take part in full training once again as he is still recuperating from the injury he sustained while in action for Leicester City.
While Ndidi is ruled out of the game, Simon and Abdullahi are in with a chance of facing Congo DR as it appears they are nursing minor knocks, and they could take part in tomorrow’s session.
