Nigeria manager Eric Chelle is sweating over the fitness of William Troost-Ekong, less than three weeks before he announces his first roster as coach of the three-time African champions.
The Tottenham Hotspur academy product is undoubtedly part of the Franco-Malian coach’s plans for next month’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda’s Wasps and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
However, it is expected that Chelle will continue monitoring the fitness of Troost-Ekong before making a final decision on whether to include him in the squad for the back-to-back matches.
Troost-Ekong has not featured for Al-Kholood Club since he suffered an injury in a Saudi Pro League clash against
Al-Orobah FC on February 14.
His absence from the squads for the league matches against Al-Wehda and Al-Hilal was a result of a muscle injury he picked up during the match against Al-Orobah.
Troost-Ekong did not participate in Al-Kholood’s last training session in Riyadh on Monday, in preparation for the match against Al-Hilal.
This season, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations standout player started all the league matches contested by Al-Kholood prior to his spell on the sidelines, registering three goal involvements (2 goals, 1 assist) while logging 1,780 minutes.
Besides Troost-Ekong, doubts remain over the fitness of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) leading up to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
