KAA Gent of Belgium winger, Moses Simon was on Friday finally knocked out reckoning for a place in Nigeria’s squad to the World Cup, as a third scan on his injury revealed the extent of damage to his leg.
It was a final blow for Simon’s Russia 2018 hope, as the lad had been ruled out all together last weekend by Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr, but Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials prevailed on the gaffer to allow the lad get a final assessment in London.
With that done on Thursday, the verdict 24 hours later confirmed the worst fears of the Eagles’ medical crew, and the former SK Trencin of Slovakia star was shattered on hearing the verdict.
The first test done in Uyo indicated he was to be out for up to six weeks, as it was thought that he tore his tendon, but latest reports from the test conducted in London showed a torn tendon and Simon will be out for three to four weeks.
Rohr acknowledged that the scan means Simon will not feature at the World Cup, and only two more players are expected to be dropped by the coach after the team’s friendly against Three Lions of England at Wembley Stadium.
Simon was very much part of Rohr’s team on the road to Russia 2018, and scored the first goal in a 1-1 draw away to Cameroon, but an official said on Friday: “It’s a second degree tear and that means he will be out at least three weeks.”
Incidentally, Simon’s expected move to England was based mainly on the possibility of him making Nigeria’s final cut to the World Cup in Russia.
Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and West Ham United are the clubs now linked with Simon, who recently changed his agent.
It was also specially gathered Simon could have moved to Swansea City in the Premier League in January, but it somehow did not happen and so the club resigned Andre Ayew.
Genk officials as well as top government officials are known to have tried to intervene in this long-running saga.
Simon’s likely move to the Premier League in England is now in the balance, as making the final cut to Russia was seen as the deal maker.
